Autism & ADHD Explained: Early Signs, Screen Time & Parenting Tips

Is excessive screen time affecting your child's development? How can parents differentiate between normal developmental variations and early signs of Autism or ADHD? And why is meaningful play more important today than ever before? In this episode of Raising Smarts with Smartivity, we sit down with psychologist Harpreet Kaur Arora to unpack the realities of Autism, ADHD, child development, and the growing impact of digital lifestyles on children. About the Guest: Harpreet Kaur Arora is a Counselling Psychologist and Rehabilitation Professional, and the founder of The Gentle Space. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, helping them navigate emotions, relationships, and life's challenges with empathy and evidence-based care. Her approach is rooted in the belief that every individual possesses unique strengths, resilience, and the capacity to grow when met with understanding, curiosity, and compassion. Visit: https://www.thegentlespace.in/ Follow: https://www.instagram.com/the_gentle_... From understanding developmental milestones and behavioural patterns to discussing the role of parents, screen exposure, emotional development, and hands-on play, this conversation is packed with practical insights every parent should know. Chapters in this episode: 0:00- Introduction 3:18- Early signs of Autism & ADHD 12:05- The impact of excessive screen time on children 16:13- What Virtual Autism is? 18:57- Most concerning thing after Autism 23:20- Actionable steps for being productive 30:42- How to talk to kids will listen & listen so kids will talk 37:43- 5 realistic changes to build stronger relationship with kids • Parenting approaches that support emotional growth • Practical tips for raising confident, curious children If you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable perspectives to help you better understand and support your child's developmental journey. If you found this conversation helpful, don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe to Raising Smarts with Smartivity for more expert conversations on parenting, child psychology, and learning through play. Follow:   / smartivitytoys      / @smartivitytoys   #autism #ADHD #ScreenTime #RaisingSmarts #Smartivity #ParentingPodcast