Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. There are different types of autism that vary in severity. Some people with autism are able to live independently, while others require more support.
Video games have emerged as a popular leisure activity for many people with autism. Some researchers believe certain types of video games may provide benefits for autistic individuals, such as improving social skills, communication abilities and reducing repetitive behaviors. However, the impact of video games on autism symptoms remains unclear.
Do Video Games Improve Social Skills?
Many individuals with autism have difficulties with social interactions and communication. Some research indicates video games may help improve these abilities in some children with autism.
A 2020 review looked at 14 studies on video games and autism. It found some evidence that playing video games may boost social skills for some children with autism. The study noted two types of games that appear most promising:
- Role-playing video games where players interact with other game characters.
- Games that provide virtual simulations of real-world social situations.
The researchers said these types of games allow autistic children to practice social skills and communicating in a predictable, safe environment. This may help them improve their abilities to understand social cues and initiate conversations.
One 2012 study had 22 high-functioning boys with ASD play a fantasy role-playing game for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week. After 20 sessions, they showed improvements in social cognition skills compared to boys who played non-interactive games.
However, some studies show limited benefits. A 2015 review looked at 5 studies and concluded the evidence video games enhance social skills in autism was weak. More research is still needed.
Key Points
- Some evidence shows role-playing and simulation games may help improve social skills.
- These games let kids practice skills in a safe environment.
- However, some studies show minimal benefits for social skills.
Do Video Games Improve Communication?
Many children with autism struggle with speech and communication. Researchers have studied if video games can enhance verbal and nonverbal communication abilities.
Some studies show potential gains. A 2020 study had 28 autistic children play a car racing video game requiring social collaboration for 20 minutes per day for 4 weeks. The children showed improvements in language production and social communication skills.
Another study from 2018 found a specially-designed game improved nonverbal social communication skills like eye gaze and gestures in autistic children better than standard therapy alone.
However, a 2019 review concluded there was limited quality evidence that video games lead to communication improvements. More research is still needed to understand if they consistently provide communication benefits.
Key Points
- A few studies show some communication gains from collaborative video games.
- However, overall evidence is limited on communication benefits.
- More research is still needed in this area.
Can Video Games Reduce Repetitive Behaviors?
Many autistic individuals engage in repetitive motions, routines, or rituals known as stimming. Some parents have reported their autistic children’s stimming decreases when playing video games.
A 2018 study analyzed surveys from 217 parents of autistic children. It found 62% said their child flapped their hands less often when playing video games. Additionally, 53% said video games reduced their child’s rocking behaviors.
Researchers hypothesize interactive games that fully engage attention may replace the need for stimming movements. This suggests video games could help reduce repetitive behaviors in some cases.
However, a 2020 literature review found no conclusive evidence that video games decrease restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. More research is still needed in this area.
Key Points
- Some parents report less stimming behaviors when kids play games.
- Games that engage attention may reduce needs for stimming.
- But overall evidence is inconclusive if games reduce repetitive behaviors.
Do Video Games Improve Attention?
Many individuals with autism have problems with sustaining attention and concentration. Some research indicates video games may help boost attention skills.
A 2015 study had 20 autistic children play non-action video games requiring sustained attention for 1 hour per day, 5 days a week. After 12 weeks, they showed significant improvements on tests of attention compared to autistic children who played action video games.
Another study found autistic teens who played video games at least 5 hours per week had better attention skills than those who played minimal or no video games.
Researchers hypothesize that certain features of video games, like interactive rewards and feedback systems, may help improve attention abilities. However, more research is still needed.
Key Points
- Some studies show attention improvements after playing non-action video games.
- Features like rewards and feedback may boost attention skills.
- More research is still needed on attention benefits.
Do Video Games Improve Cognitive Skills?
Some autistic individuals have challenges with cognitive skills like planning, scheduling and working memory. A few studies suggest video games may help improve some of these abilities.
For example, a 2020 study had 30 autistic children play a problem-solving iPad game for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week. After 8 weeks, they showed enhancements in cognitive flexibility and planning skills compared to autistic children who played a non-problem solving game.
Another study found autistic teens who played strategy video games had better complex planning and scheduling abilities than autistic teens who played action games.
Researchers believe strategy video games may train cognitive control skills. However, overall evidence is still limited, with more studies needed.
Key Points
- Some initial research shows cognitive skill improvements from strategy/problem-solving games.
- These types of games may improve cognitive flexibility and control.
- More research is still needed on cognitive benefits.
What Are Risks of Video Games?
While video games may offer some potential benefits, there are also risks to consider:
- Addiction: Some kids become addicted to gaming, losing interest in social and educational activities.
- Aggression: Violent games may increase aggressive thoughts and behaviors in some children.
- Isolation: Excessive gaming may lead to increased isolation from real world interactions.
- Health issues: Lots of gaming time has been linked with obesity, sleep disturbances, and repetitive strain injuries.
Parents should monitor and limit game usage, choose age-appropriate non-violent games, and encourage kids to engage in a balance of social, learning and physical activities.
Key Points
- Potential risks include addiction, aggression, isolation and health issues.
- Parents should limit usage, choose appropriate games, and promote balance.
Are Specialized Games More Effective?
Some researchers believe games designed specifically for autistic users may be more beneficial than entertainment games. These specialized games aim to address specific skills and challenges associated with autism.
For example, some games target improving facial emotion recognition. One 2017 study had autistic youth play a specialized emotion recognition game for 30 minutes per day for 4 weeks. They showed significant improvements in identifying facial expressions compared to the control group.
Other specialized games aim to teach social interaction skills through role-play conversations with virtual characters. Initial studies show these custom social simulation games may help improve conversational abilities better than traditional therapies alone.
However, research on specialized video games for autism remains limited. More evidence is needed to determine if tailored games offer advantages over entertainment games. Both approaches may provide certain benefits.
Key Points
- Specialized video games target specific autism skills and deficits.
- Initial research shows potential gains from customized games.
- More research needed to compare benefits of specialized vs. entertainment games.
Does Game Format Matter?
Researchers have also studied if certain formats of video games may be more beneficial for autistic users. Two formats that have been evaluated include:
Virtual Reality (VR) Games: These fully immersive games allow users to interact with 3D environments using headsets and controllers. Some initial studies show VR games may improve autistic children’s social skills and emotional recognition abilities better than 2D games. However, VR headsets can be costly and not tolerated well by all autistic users.
Exergames: These active video games combine game play with physical exercise using motion-tracking devices. Small studies indicate exergames may help improve motor skills, coordination, and behavior regulation in some autistic children. However, they require more physical exertion which may not be appropriate for all users.
Overall, there is insufficient research comparing game formats. Both VR and exergames show potential, but more evidence is needed on their relative benefits for autism. Traditional 2D video games also appear to provide many of the same advantages based on current research.
Key Points
- VR games may improve social skills better than 2D, but evidence is limited.
- Exergames may enhance motor skills, but require physical exertion.
- More research needed comparing game formats for autism.
Do Games Work for All Ages?
Most studies on video games and autism have focused on children and teens under 18 years old. Fewer studies have evaluated effects for adults on the autism spectrum.
Some small studies on older autistic teens and adults show potential benefits from gaming on social skills, communication, anxiety and employment abilities.
For example, one study provided a VR job interview simulation game to autistic adults. Participants showed significant improvements in job interview performance after playing the game compared to the control group.
However, autism symptoms and support needs can change over time. More research is still needed on appropriate game interventions for older autistic individuals. Most evidence currently focuses on children.
Key Points
- Most research examines video game effects on children with autism.
- A few small studies show potential benefits for older autistic teens and adults as well.
- More research needed on appropriate games for different age groups.
Conclusion
Some studies suggest video games may offer benefits for improving social, communication, cognitive, and behavioral skills in autistic individuals. Certain game features like role-playing, simulations, rewards and feedback systems appear most promising. However, benefits likely depend on each child’s individual needs and interests.
At the same time, risks like addiction and isolation should be considered. Moderation is key. Games should not replace appropriate therapy and interventions. Parents should consult doctors to design a balanced plan involving video games, therapies for core deficits, social activities, exercise and education.
While initial results seem promising, high-quality studies are still limited. More research is needed to provide definitive conclusions on how video games affect autism symptoms and skills across ages. But for some children, age-appropriate video games may be a helpful complementary therapy when used responsibly in moderation.