INTRODUCTION OF STUDY
Electronic screen exposure can be simply defined as the exposure or use of electronic devices such as television, handphones, and tablets for the purpose to entertainment or learning. Technological advancements have made it easier for parents to educate and entertain their children due to the rapid growth of mobile applications, video, websites and interactive games.

Although gadgets can provide parents with a window to expose their child to early learning and facilitate exposure to new ideas and knowledge, it can also pose a risk for negative health outcomes including the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Early diagnosis of autistic-like behaviours includes attention deficits, lack of eye contact, and a decline in social functioning, can help boost the efficacy of early intervention as well as provide parents, researches and healthcare professionals a deeper insight into the correlates and risk factor of ASD and whether not screen time plays a role in a child’s development.

PURPOSE OF STUDY
This study aims to identify the patterns of electronic screen exposure and its association with autistic-like symptoms among typically developing toddlers in Malaysia.

STUDY PROCEDURE
You are required to complete two questionnaires. The first questionnaire is regarding you and your child whereas the second questionnaire is regarding your child’s behaviour. You are allowed to fill in the survey for each child separately.

PARTICIPATION IN STUDY
Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You may refuse to take part in the study or you may withdraw yourself from participation in the study at any time without penalty.

BENEFIT OF STUDY
Information obtained from this study will benefit the researchers, Government of Malaysia, doctors and individuals for the advancement of knowledge and practice of medicine in future.

If you have any question about this study or your rights, please contact the researcher, Miss Dhania Sorfina binti Md Zaki Fadzil at telephone number 011-6410815 or research supervisor, Dr Mohd Suleiman Murad at telephone number 019-2123563

STUDY RISK
Minimum risk

CONFIDENTIALITY
Your medical information will be kept confidential by the investigators and will not be made public unless disclosure is required by law. By signing this consent form, you will authorize the review of records, analysis and use of the data arising from this study.

CRITERIA OF STUDY
1.    Toddler aged 16 – 30 months only

2. Typically developing toddler
         -  toddler not diagnosed with any form
            of developmental delay either,
            physical, psychological and cognitive
            developmental delay
         -  toddler do not have any pending
            diagnostic observation with any form
            of developmental delay either,
            physical, psychological and cognitive
            developmental delay

3.    Toddler uses or is exposed to
        screen-based media (e.g. television,
        tablets, phone, gaming console)

CONSENT FORM
To become a subject in the research, you are advised to sign this Consent Form.

I herewith confirm that my child and I have met the requirement of age and am capable of acting on behalf of myself /* as a legal guardian as follows:

1.  I understand the nature and scope of the
     research being undertaken.
2.  I have read and understood all the terms
     and conditions of my participation in the  
     research.
3.  All my questions relating to this research
     and my participation therein have been
     answered to my satisfaction.
4.  I voluntarily agree to take part in this
     research, to follow the study procedures
     and to provide all necessary information
     to the investigators as requested.
5.  I may at any time choose to withdraw
     from this research without giving
     reasons.
6.  I have received a copy of the Subjects
     Information Sheet and Consent Form.
7.  Except for damages resulting from
     negligent or malicious conduct of the
     researcher(s), I hereby release and
     discharge  UiTM and  all participating
     researchers from all liability associated
     with, arising out of, or related to my
     participation and agree to hold them
     harmless from any harm or loss that
     may be incurred by me due to my
     participation in the research.