Toy Story 5 has sparked debate among parents about screen time and technology use with children, particularly those with autism and developmental differences.
Conner James Black, associate director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute, addresses the tension many families face. Some parents worry that movies glorify device dependency, while others rely on screens as essential tools for managing their children's behavior and well-being.
Black's recommendation offers practical middle ground: families benefit from separating communication devices from entertainment devices. This means using one tablet or phone specifically for AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) apps that help nonverbal or minimally verbal children express themselves, and keeping entertainment separate.
The logic behind this approach serves multiple purposes. Communication devices maintain their primary function without distraction. Children learn to associate specific tools with specific purposes. Parents can monitor screen time more intentionally. And critically, communication devices don't get caught up in entertainment arguments about "just one more episode."
For families raising children with autism, cerebral palsy, apraxia, or other conditions affecting speech, screens aren't villains. They're bridges to connection. An AAC app can help a nonverbal child request a favorite toy, express pain, or participate in family conversations. But these life-changing tools work best when they maintain their identity and aren't competing with YouTube, streaming shows, or games for attention and battery life.
Black's guidance validates both perspectives. Parents who see screens as concerning aren't wrong to monitor usage carefully. But parents who depend on devices as assistive technology aren't taking shortcuts. They're using available tools to help their children communicate, learn, and participate.
The real issue isn't whether screens are good or bad. It's about intentional use. A child's tablet might function as a communication device at school and an entertainment tool at home. But when these roles blur, both functions suffer. Clear boundaries protect both the tool