Many children with autism love gaming, and for good reasons. Aimed at parents and caregivers, this article explains why games appeal to children with autism, how to tell healthy gaming from a problem, and what you can do if you are concerned.
Why are games so appealing to children with autism?
Children with autism can often feel at home in the world of gaming because of its structured and logical nature. Games typically offer clear rules, objectives, and expectations. They provide predictability and structure, which many children with autism find reassuring. In addition, the social interactions available in games are often easier to control or even avoid altogether. As a result, some children with autism may feel more comfortable in online environments than in offline social settings.
Too much gaming?
As a parent or caregiver, you may sometimes worry about your child's gaming habits. Is my child gaming too much? Could they be addicted? Rest assured, a child who comes late to the dinner table because they wanted to finish a level is not necessarily addicted. Most children play games in a healthy way: as a form of relaxation and enjoyment. And yes, it can be difficult to put down a fun game, especially when you're winning.
However, gaming may become problematic if it starts to take up an increasingly large part of your child's life. Warning signs can include:
- Unfinished or neglected homework.
- Friends taking a back seat.
- The loss of interest in other hobbies.
- Intense and persistent anger when asked to stop gaming.
In such cases, it is important to find ways to restore a healthy balance.
What can you do if you are concerned?
- Show interest in your child's gaming activities. Not only will this make your child feel valued, but it will also help you understand the games they play. This can make it easier to agree on when a game should end, for example, if you know that a match typically lasts 15 minutes.
- Establish clear rules about when and for how long gaming is allowed, as well as when it is not. Make these agreements as concrete and visual as possible, for example by using a clear daily schedule that includes gaming time.
- Help your child find alternatives to gaming.
- Set a positive example by maintaining a balanced relationship with screens yourself.
Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness-raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
Many children with autism love gaming, and for good reasons. Aimed at parents and caregivers, this article explains why games appeal to children with autism, how to tell healthy gaming from a problem, and what you can do if you are concerned.
Why are games so appealing to children with autism?
Children with autism can often feel at home in the world of gaming because of its structured and logical nature. Games typically offer clear rules, objectives, and expectations. They provide predictability and structure, which many children with autism find reassuring. In addition, the social interactions available in games are often easier to control or even avoid altogether. As a result, some children with autism may feel more comfortable in online environments than in offline social settings.
Too much gaming?
As a parent or caregiver, you may sometimes worry about your child's gaming habits. Is my child gaming too much? Could they be addicted? Rest assured, a child who comes late to the dinner table because they wanted to finish a level is not necessarily addicted. Most children play games in a healthy way: as a form of relaxation and enjoyment. And yes, it can be difficult to put down a fun game, especially when you're winning.
However, gaming may become problematic if it starts to take up an increasingly large part of your child's life. Warning signs can include:
- Unfinished or neglected homework.
- Friends taking a back seat.
- The loss of interest in other hobbies.
- Intense and persistent anger when asked to stop gaming.
In such cases, it is important to find ways to restore a healthy balance.
What can you do if you are concerned?
- Show interest in your child's gaming activities. Not only will this make your child feel valued, but it will also help you understand the games they play. This can make it easier to agree on when a game should end, for example, if you know that a match typically lasts 15 minutes.
- Establish clear rules about when and for how long gaming is allowed, as well as when it is not. Make these agreements as concrete and visual as possible, for example by using a clear daily schedule that includes gaming time.
- Help your child find alternatives to gaming.
- Set a positive example by maintaining a balanced relationship with screens yourself.
Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness-raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
- gaming addiction addictive design digital balance
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