ADHD Kids Find Relief in Video Games Study Claims
A first-of-its-kind survey is bringing great news to parents and children alike indicating that certain types of video games appear to have a therapeutic effect on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
According to the survey conducted by Information Solutions Group on behalf of PopCap Games, “casual” video games appear to lessen symptoms of ADHD by increasing attention span, providing stress relief, and improving memory strength and focus. Moreover, because of the increased sense of accomplishment experienced in playing the games, survey respondents reported enjoying this form of therapy.
Dr. Carl Arinoldo, a Stony Brook, New York-based psychologist of 25 years’ experience comments, “It seems that children with AD/HD often lack that sense of control that comes much more easily to their non-AD/HD peers. Playing casual games such as Peggle and Bejeweled, among others, is one area in their lives in which these children can experience some sense of control with the added benefit of achieving success in something. Both of these aspects, taken together, can serve to enhance the child’s self-concept and self-esteem.”
A total of 13,296 casual game players responded to the Information Solutions Group survey, with 2,728 respondents claiming they, or someone in their care, were suffering from some type of disability. Of these, 422 were identified as children, ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old, the majority falling between the ages of 8 and 16. Of the children, over half (52%) were said to be suffering with a mild (30%), moderate (55%) or severe (15%) form of ADHD. The second largest group was children with autism (21%), followed by Dyslexia (8%) and Down Syndrome (3%). Joe P. of Athens, Georgia, father of a child diagnosed with ADHD, writes in response to the survey, “He seems more relaxed and calm. We have also noticed after playing games, he can concentrate on school materials such as math, in which he has the biggest struggle, and not get frustrated with problems he doesn’t understand.”
Joanna G. of Oakland CA, a mother of four whose youngest daughter suffers with ADHD and SID (Sensory Integration Disorder), claims that all her kids enjoy the games and are calmer because they have control over something. She believes this is because “they are able to extend the time they can be focused and productive without problems and putdowns and feeling badly about themselves or being made fun of.”
According to the American Medical Association, ADHD is “one of the best-researched disorders in medicine.” However, despite all the research, no one knows what causes ADHD or how to cure it. Therefore whenever a new approach to treating the disorder is introduced, it is a welcome development — especially an approach the children actually love participating in.
Dr. Arinoldo says, “Any reasonable type of treatment that would enhance the AD/HD child’s attention span, focusing, concentration skills, and self-confidence, would be a welcome asset to parents and teachers alike.” He goes on to assert that if by playing the games, “the child’s skills can be generalized from the gaming situation to other situations, such as school, this would be an added bonus. We always want to find something that the children enjoy and that interests them when seeking ways to help them. Thus, since playing casual computer games was the children’s second choice for a leisure time activity, it makes a lot of sense to make use of the games to build on the children’s skills.”
PopCap Games is the leading multi-platform provider of “casual games” — fun, easy-to-learn, captivating computer games that appeal to everyone from age 6 to 106. According to the survey, “puzzle” games such as PopCap’s Bejeweled(R) were the #1 favorite among ADHD children.
The second favorite genre was “action” at 16% including such games as Platypus and Diner Dash. And tying for third place at 13% each were “arcade” games, with Peggle(TM) being the hands-down favorite.
SOURCE PopCap Games
Tags: ADHD, attention deficit disorder
ADHD Research, Parenting the ADHD Child | 
ADHD Dad | July 16, 2008
