Video Gaming Risks in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

1. Griffiths, M. D. (2016). Gaming Addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder. In R. Kowert, & T. Quandt (Eds.), The Video Game Debate: Unraveling the Physical, Social, and Psychological Effects of Digital Games. New York: Routledge.2. Lonie, N. (2014). Online Safety for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.3. Engelhardt, C. R., Mazurek, M. O., & Sohl, K. (2013). Media Use and Sleep Amount in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Typical Development. Pediatrics, 1081-1089.4. Engelhardt, C., & Mazurek, M. (2014). Video game access, parental rules, and problem behavior: A study of boys with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 529-537.5. Mazurek, M. O., & Engelhardt, C. R. (2013). Video Game Use in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Typical Development. Pediatrics, 260-266.6. Mazurek, M., & Engelhardt, C. (2013). Video game use and problem behaviors in boys with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 316-324.7. Grandin, T., & Moore, D. (2015). The Loving Push: How parents and professionals can help spectrum kids become successful adults. Arlington: Future Horizons.8. Lynn, G. T. (2012, February 19). Understanding and Helping the Asperger's Plus Child K-12 and Beyond Seminar Handout. Minnesota: Metro ECSU.

Images used under license from Shutterstock.com Joseph Falkner, MST/CCC-SLP©, 2016

Prevalence of risky game use:

1 Neurotypical Gamers: below 10% ASD Gamers: unknown, under- researched

1, 8Features of Gaming Addiction :

Salience (most important part of life; pre-occupied with gaming) Mood Modification (because of gaming)

Tolerance (need more gaming for mood)

Withdrawal (aversive mood or health)

Relapse (return to past gaming habits)

Conflict (negative consequences--continued use even with adverse consequences)

1Negative Consequences :

Sacrificing (work, relationships, education, hobbies) Impacts on Sleep Increased stress/decreased well-being Loneliness/poorer social skills Aggressiveness/oppositional behavior Maladapative coping/cognition Decreased academic achievement Inattention/decreased verbal memory

Contributions of ASD on Gaming 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Addiction

Difficulty shifting attention/disengaging from video games Fixations/preoccupations with video games Social isolation/decreased social skills Increased arousal (differences in ANS) Sensory defensiveness: may avoid outdoor or other types of play Electronics often used as reward

Differences Between NT and ASD 3, 4, 5, 6Gamers

Gamers with ASD spend more time playing video games Gamers with ASD have more bedroom video game access Bedroom access=less time sleeping Bedroom access=more oppositional behavior Gamers with ASD have more problematic use

2, 7, 8Steps to Helping : Know the signs that a problem is occurring Track amount of gaming time Remove gaming console/computer from room Use a 3:1 “green” outdoor to gaming hourly ratio Avoid using electronics to avoid meltdowns Find or develop a support group for individual struggling with gaming addiction Work with a therapist specializing in gaming addiction (therapist may need supports in working with individuals with ASD) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective in treating gaming addiction