While the prevalence of autism has been increasing globally, there is a search for the causative factors behind the rise. The point of view presented here examines the possibility of children brought up in social deprivation and watching television being at higher risk for developing autistic symptoms. The association is evident in the clinical experience of child psychiatrists and in several recent studies. There is no conclusive evidence for a causative role for increased television viewing causing autistic disorder. However, caution may need to be exercised in those children who are at risk.