Some video games can be particularly beneficial for children on the ADHD spectrum, but with appropriate supervision, they can play titles from any genre. The key is not complete restriction, but shared play adapted to the child’s maturity, sensitivities, and capacity for self-regulation.
If there is one thing that really gets on my nerves, it is the constant demonization of video games. Ever since the release of the first Mortal Kombat, people have claimed that video games turn us into murderers, and similar arguments now surround ADHD. Some articles even question whether video games cause ADHD. Considering that the condition was underdiagnosed before the pandemic and is now being identified more accurately, the relationship between ADHD and video games deserves serious examination. Are they harmful or beneficial? Can children on the spectrum play video games, and under what conditions? The answer may be surprising: ADHD and video games can have a very positive relationship, provided that certain guidelines are followed.
First, it is important to understand what being on the ADHD spectrum actually means, because it does not simply mean that a child is constantly restless. No child behaves in exactly the same way all the time. ADHD is more about “a lack of focus and an excessive difficulty in setting limits on actions, which can manifest as impulsivity or excessive irritability, or an inability to self-regulate when planning the right time to do things. ADHD doesn’t always mean a child is very restless,” explained Dr. Rocío Gómez, a general health psychologist and professor in the psychology degree program at UNIR.
Understanding this is important because it changes how video games should be selected for a child diagnosed with ADHD. A quick AI-generated answer may claim that “thanks to their constant stimulation and immediate rewards, video games manage to capture deep attention,” but games that produce excessive stimulation achieve nothing useful. They may frustrate the child completely unnecessarily. “There is a segment of the spectrum, many people within it, who are especially sensitive to overstimulation that doesn’t fit within their focus. We need stimuli that interest that specific person. Otherwise, a lot of emotional dysregulation occurs,” Gómez emphasized. ADHD is therefore a spectrum, not a single form of diversity that presents identically in everyone.
Video Games Should Also Train Working Memory
“We need video games that help us train working memory, self-regulation, and turn-taking; that make us wait for our next turn and persevere to do something; that foster creativity and perseverance. The child needs to know that they must keep going consistently to achieve something. Planning and logical reasoning are key,” Rocío said, using chess as an example. Based on this approach, particularly useful games for children on the ADHD spectrum may include turn-based JRPGs with clearly defined pauses, such as the classic Pokémon games, strategy titles like Final Fantasy Tactics, and more recent role-playing games such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. These titles can support self-regulation, although greater caution is required with other games.
“In all this vast volume of experiences that we expose children to virtually, we have to be very careful with the social component,” the psychologist explained. “There’s a strong need to fit in, combined with a fear of not fitting in or of their responses being too impulsive. One of the biggest difficulties when arriving at this diagnosis is that a lot of impulsivity is detected in their relationships. This situation can arise in group games. So, online games are fine, but with a lot of supervision. There’s a high risk of them being excluded because they haven’t developed the necessary skills.” It is therefore best to delay the introduction of online games for as long as possible, especially those that allow communication. Time limits, regular breaks, and games in which progress matters more than immediate rewards should be prioritized. Curiosity from the supervising adult is equally essential.
This is the key to the entire issue: curiosity from parents or guardians. The same principle applies whenever we teach any child to play and appreciate video games, regardless of whether they are neurotypical. A child should not simply be handed a phone or console and left alone, because that is when video games cease to serve their intended purpose. Shared play can create a bond between parents and children, whether or not the child is on the spectrum. The author is currently playing Secret of Mana with his son and considers it an appropriate title for ADHD. The most important result of playing together is getting to know the child better. “We need to understand his level of maturity, the type of challenges that stimulate him, the level of frustration he reaches; perhaps he wants fewer choices. I hope that a person with this diagnosis who is undergoing treatment will have a plan to gradually be exposed to different situations. That’s why it’s always important to consult with an expert, with the help of families, to see how this progresses,” Gómez said.
Parental Support Is the Most Important Element
The time spent playing together can help parents and children understand each other better. “You have to understand what’s happening to them and talk about it, take an interest in finding out what triggers their frustration and chat with them to help them manage their emotions,” the psychologist explained. Difficult or frustrating moments should not be avoided, because “frustration will always be there, but everyone is different. They can play all kinds of video games because frustration is good, because they have to find ways to overcome it, and that’s interesting, but always at a manageable pace and with the help of family, schools, and professionals. We all have to be on the same page.” Parents can therefore begin with a relaxing Pokémon game and later move on to Bloodborne. At least that is the author’s plan: first Secret of Mana, followed by the Souls universe.
Video games can therefore be just as positive for a child with ADHD as they are for any neurotypical child. Dr. Rocío Gómez also explained that games do not necessarily require additional accessibility options specifically for ADHD. Adults need to sit with the child, observe what causes frustration, and use video games as a way to understand them better. Video games do not cause ADHD. Video games can create family bonds.
Source: 3DJuegos
