Search Here

Online gaming offers potential benefits for pre-teens on the autism spectrum, with recent research highlighting its positive impact on social skills and friendship networks.

Online Gaming for Pre-Teens With Autism

A study conducted by the University of Adelaide investigated the effects of online gaming, specifically focusing on the game "Minecraft," on Australian children aged between 10 and 12 who are on the autism spectrum. The research involved input from autistic "Minecraft" players and parents, ensuring the program's design and implementation were informed by lived experiences.

Session Settings and Intensity

Participants engaged in both online and face-to-face gaming sessions. Low-intensity sessions held weekly over six weeks during the school term, and high-intensity sessions, occurring three times a week over two weeks during school holidays, were offered to assess the varying impacts of gameplay frequency.

Positive Findings

Preliminary findings from the study indicated significant improvements in social skills and the expansion of social networks among the participants. Dr. Abi Thirumanickam, the principal researcher, highlighted the promising nature of these results, emphasizing the potential of gaming as a therapeutic option for addressing social communication challenges commonly faced by patients with autism.

Assessment and Observations

Social skills were evaluated using a range of measures, including questionnaires completed by participants and their parents. Dr. Thirumanickam noted the positive shift in conversations from game-related topics to broader life discussions, indicating a meaningful extension of social interaction beyond gaming sessions.

Wider Implications

The study's implications extend beyond the immediate participants, with some parents forming connections through their children's participation in the program. Autism SA, a partner in the research, expressed enthusiasm about utilizing gaming platforms like Minecraft to foster skill development and personal growth among people on the autism spectrum.

Future Directions

While the initial findings are promising, researchers acknowledge the need for caution due to the study's small sample size and variability. Plans for larger trials involving primary school-aged students in 2024 aim to validate and build upon these preliminary results.

Conclusion

Online gaming, particularly platforms like "Minecraft," holds potential as a tool for supporting social skill development and expanding friendship networks among pre-teens with autism. Further research in this area is crucial for harnessing the strengths of gaming as a therapeutic intervention and empowering people to build lifelong social competencies.