Autism and Video Games: Can They Really Help?

It happens to many of us. We begin playing a video game and without realizing it, we end up playing it for hours and the desire to keep playing remains so strong. While this is often a problem for both autistic and neurotypical individuals, those on the autism spectrum tend to be more vulnerable to the issue.

On the other hand, video games are an excellent source of happiness for autistic people and can boost social interaction in both offline and online environments. Familiarizing oneself with the benefits and demerits of playing video games demonstrate how gaming can be incorporated into an autistic person’ life, but simply engaging in video games for hours is not always the solution. 

Can Video Games Help People With Autism?

The answer to whether video games help with autism is more complicated than you can imagine. Some research shows that video games might help create an interactive and peaceful environment for growth and learning. On the other hand, others cause concerns regarding the effects of screen time and striking the right balance between virtual and real-world interactions.

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How Video Games Can Help Individuals with Autism?

Video games for autism can be of benefit to autistic individuals in different ways. Below are some of the ways in which people with autism can get support from video games in a healthy manner:

1. Assisting Individuals with Autism in Acquiring Knowledge

As much as video games occur in a virtual setting that’s very secure and engaging, they can be used to teach many people with autism. Studying via special academic software also offers immense support to people with autism. 

Since autism is a complicated cognitive and neurological condition, all people with the condition do not study the same or at the same pace when it comes to learning via video games. At 8 years of age, a child may find it difficult to use a jungle-themed learning video game on the PC. Eventually you may end up experiencing a challenge when typing on the computer keyboard and solving maths as a part of homeschooling education.

But by the sixth birthday, the ame child could find it is easier to learn about the seasonal cycles in a teddy bear-themed PC game. It is very simple since you just click the external landscape that transforms the visual representation of the seasons, from a blooming Spring to a frosty Winter. These seasons, which are located in the northern hemisphere, can be used to transform the surroundings.  

2. Handling Stress in Individuals with Autism

Additionally, people with autism can manage their stress through video games. Stress can be quite challenging to people with autism and can lower their productivity level. Video games for autism help them handle stress by immersing the player in the game and minimize sensory overload by diverting attention away from the surroundings.

Some video games relieve stress by eliminating anxiety-inducing situations, which often provoke a meltdown. Examples of such video games are waiting rooms, traffic jams, restaurants, cafes, and travel by car. 

Video games use interactive storytelling and modeling, such as detailed 3D graphics and cut-scenes. The voices from these video games can disrupt you from the external sensory input of one’s actual surroundings. The only problem with playing a video game about autism in a crowded area is the game’s voice, as you always have to mute it or lower the volume to avoid disturbing your peers or colleagues.

3. Social Engagement

Video games about autism educate individuals on the importance of socializing. For example,  the Sims 1 and its sequels teach people about social engagement and how they are viewed by other Sims and the community. 

In the game, a Hygiene bar is a visual symbolization of what forces other Sim’s reactions to that specific Sim. In case this is reduced, green fumes rise from the Sim’s body, symbolizing the unpleasant body scent. This causes other Sims to react accordingly when near that Sim, and this highlights the significance of personal hygiene and self-care in the eyes of others. 

The game also teaches on the variations in personalities that happen in animals and individuals via the visual representation of the Sim characters. If your Sim offers a hug to a non-temperamental cat, the cat responds with a hug. This usually strengthens the bond between the Sim and the cat. However, a cat with an aggressive temperament might dislike the interaction, reducing the rapport. 

4. Enhance Transition Capabilities

Transitions are very challenging for many individuals with autism and video games can help ease  various transitions. The only thing you should be watch out for is seeing your child change from playing video games to something totally different.

Recommendations for Effective and Healthy Gaming

Video games can lead to some serious health effects. To decrease the likelihood of health challenges and ensure success while playing video games, below are some tips to follow.

• Every one hour, break  for 10 minutes. 
• Make use of an ergonomic, comfortable office chair.
• Keep your back straight to prevent suffering from back aches.
• Reduce screen light to avoid eye strain.
• Ensure your room is well-lit as you play video games.
• Before playing games, make sure to speak with your doctor if you have photosensitive epilepsy.
• If you are playing using the physical game media ensure you take back your disk or cartridge into its respective case after you are done with playing to avoid losing the video game. 
• If you feel overwhelmed or unwell, take a break from playing right away and come back when you feel ready

A comparison of video games: Then vs Now

In the early 2000s, CDs and other physical media were the most used types of media for video games because they were permanent and allowed ownership for life.

On the other hand, digital media is software that needs internet access to download. It may be challenging to make it irreversible, as the permissions to use the game are purchased most of the time. This simply implies that the software could be unavailable at any time hence denying you ace in the future if you need to play the game again..

Disadvantages of Playing Video Games

Below are some drawbacks associated with playing video games:

• It can lead to losing track of your time to a point where you cannot manage it. 
• It can lead to late sleep. This may result in a disruption of normal sleep patterns (sleeping during the day and being awake all night), thus neglecting important duties.
• It can lead to losing work hours. 
• It can lead to a lack of exercise and you may have to remain seated for long periods. 
• It can lead to negligence of planned tasks.
• Stress can occur due to too much playing
• Some video games can be addictive
  

Frequently asked questions

1. Are video games advisable for individuals suffering from autism?

The interactive ability of video games, along with their structured rules and predictable patterns, often resonates strongly with the needs of autistic individuals. 

2. Do video games serve as a support tool for children with autism?

According to Dr. Ringland, a video game about autism helps kids study social behaviors in secure and supportive surroundings.

3. Is it possible for individuals with autism to develop a video game addiction?

Autistic individuals have a very high percentage of developing an addiction to video games if they do not manage their video gaming time well.

4. How can gaming support people on the autism spectrum?

Finding others who share their interests can facilitate social connections for many individuals with autism who also have one or more specific interests.

5. Can people with Asperger’s syndrome safely play video games?

People with Asperger’s syndrome generally have a high functioning autism and often have intense fascination with video games as most of them have knowledge or a “special interest” in a particular area.

Conclusion

The use of video games as a tool for helping people with autism shows great promise today, but their impact is complex and differs from individual to individual. 

Video games provide a distinct interactive environment that can help nurture major abilities, including socialization and mental capacity. They offer interactive and immersive experiences and create excellent opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum  to improve and perfect their abilities in a relaxed setting. 

Despite that, just like any other tool, their impact relies on the way they are used. Research on this topic is still emerging, but early research indicates that, when applied carefully, video games can complement traditional therapies.

As we explore further, we must note that video games should not replace other interventions but instead supplement current approaches. Video games can be part of a broader toolkit that helps individuals with autism better navigate the world around them and unlock their full potential