Playing Games Has Positive Influences on Autistic Children

According to the conclusions of a new study, playing video games has a host of positive effects on the behavior of children suffering from autism-spectrum disorders (ASD). Researchers found that kids who played these games displayed better social and communication skills than other ASD children.

Official statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 1 in 88 kids born in the United States suffers from an ASD condition, which means that the new research may have vast implications for public health.

“Children and young adults with ASD have unique opportunities to capitalize on their interest and aptitude in video games as a resource to develop desired social behaviors and life skills and to increase their physical activity,” explains Bill Ferguson, PhD.

He is the Editor-in-Chief of Games for Health Journal: Research Development, and Clinical Applications, where the new study was published, PsychCentral informs.