Abstract
The present study investigated the association between autism and problematic internet use (PIU) and gaming disorder (GD). A systematic literature search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A total of 2286 publications were screened, and 21 were deemed eligible for inclusion in the review. The majority of the studies found positive associations between PIU and subclinical autistic-like traits with weak and moderate effect sizes and between PIU and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with varying effect sizes. Additionally, individuals with ASD were more likely to exhibit symptoms of GD with moderate and strong effect sizes. Future research would benefit from high-quality studies examining GD and PIU at a clinical level and their relationship with both clinical and subclinical autism.
Highlights
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a pervasive developmental disorder which is characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication in addition to restrictive, repetitive patterns of thoughts, behaviour and interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
While all of the studies included in the present review are useful in determining potential correlations and relationships between problematic internet use (PIU) and gaming disorder (GD) and ASD/autistic-like traits (ALTs), it is apparent that there is a need for high-quality epidemiological studies
It is important to establish whether there is a causal link between autism or autistic traits and a tendency to develop an internet use or gaming disorder
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a pervasive developmental disorder which is characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication in addition to restrictive, repetitive patterns of thoughts, behaviour and interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). According to the most recent (fifth) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), autism was defined as a disorder assessed on a spectrum or continuum, with higher rates of autistic-like traits (ALTs) indicating more severe forms of autism (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It has been theorised that individuals with higher rates of ALTs at subclinical levels may be at a greater risk of developing psychiatric conditions than the general population (Lundström et al, 2011)
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