A study in the August 2013 issue of Pediatrics, “
Video Game Use in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Typical Development,” (published online July 29) surveyed parents of 141 boys, ages 8 to 18, about their
video game usage.
The study found that boys with
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) spent much more time playing video games than their typically developing peers (2.1 versus 1.2 hours per day). Boys with ASD and those with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) had greater in-room access to video games and were at greater risk for problematic or addictive video game use than typically developing boys. Inattention (but not hyperactivity) was associated with problematic game use in boys with ASD and those with ADHD, and a preference for role-playing games was particularly associated with problematic game use in boys with ASD.
The authors state that these findings show a need for heightened awareness and assessment of problematic video game use for children with ASD and ADHD.