Attention! Parents! from Growth and Change Counseling.
Dear Parents, Are you worried about your child with Asperger’s syndrome having a video game addiction? I wrote this article for you, to provide perspective that will help you in your parenting journey and that can support the healthy social development of your child. I wrote it in a unique way, outlining the conventional research and wisdom on this topic, and then providing commentary throughout the article under “Editor’s Note” in bolded letters, just like this paragraph here.
Our goal at Growth and Change Counseling is to empower you and your children to have healthy, fulfilled relationships, free of mental health problems. When you are looking for counseling, its hard to know who can help you, its my hope this article will give you insight into our approach and the ways in which we truly can support you successfully.
Aspergers Syndrome & Video Game Addiction 4 The Truth
Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder, and video game addiction are two phenomena that have gained significant attention in recent years, with researchers and clinicians alike seeking to understand their interplay.
In this article, you’ll delve into the characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome and why video games hold such appeal for individuals with this condition. You’ll also learn to spot the warning signs of gaming addiction in people with Asperger’s and explore strategies to manage video game use effectively. By examining these issues, you’ll gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by those with Asperger’s and how to support their well-being in our increasingly digital world.
Understanding Asperger’s Syndrome and Its Characteristics
Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder, is characterized by unique challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Individuals with Asperger’s often struggle to understand and respond appropriately to social cues, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining friendships [1].
One key aspect of Asperger’s is the active but odd approach to social interactions. Unlike those with classic autism who may be aloof or passive, people with Asperger’s tend to desire social connections but lack the intuitive understanding of how to make them work [2]. They may come across as insensitive or pushy due to their inability to read social and emotional cues [3]. [Editor’s Note: Children and adults want to socially connect but lack the relational intelligence to know how to do it. They can learn to develop that relational intelligence.]
Emotion is another area that can be perplexing for those with Asperger’s. While they may lack empathy in the sense of deeply understanding others’ specific emotional states, they are not necessarily devoid of compassion [1]. Their self-centered nature stems more from naivety than malice, and fears of sociopathy are unfounded [4] [5]. [Editor’s Note: Children with Aspergers tend to live out of their emotions, make decisions based on their feelings. Like all humans, they are very emotional, but because they lack that relational intelligence, its hard for them to put themselves in other peoples shoes]
Restricted interests are another hallmark of Asperger’s syndrome. Individuals may develop intense fascinations with specific topics or objects, becoming experts in their chosen areas [6]. These interests can provide a sense of structure and predictability in an otherwise confusing social world.
Sensory sensitivities are also common among those with Asperger’s. They may experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to various stimuli, including sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch [7]. These sensory issues can impact their ability to function in everyday environments and contribute to feelings of overwhelm or anxiety.
Despite the challenges faced by individuals with Asperger’s, it’s important to recognize their unique strengths and perspectives. Many are highly intelligent and excel in areas that align with their interests [8]. With proper support and understanding, they can thrive in their personal and professional lives.
The Appeal of Video Games for Individuals with Asperger’s
For many individuals with Asperger’s syndrome, video games hold a unique appeal that goes beyond mere entertainment. The interactive nature of video games, with their structured rules and predictable patterns, often resonates strongly with autistic individuals [9]. Video games can provide a sense of control and mastery in a virtual world that may be lacking in real-life situations [9].
[Editor’s Note: Aspergers children and adults are especially susceptible to video game use, but the structure in video games is actually a false trap for what they need and they learn very easily, because it feels good to them in the moment and based on impulse, to accept that structure in the place of a healthy, relational, structured family life where they would be immersed in constant relational interaction with family and friends.
One key aspect that draws individuals with Asperger’s (Level 1 Autism) to video games is the structured environment they provide. Games often have clear rules, goals, and predictable outcomes, which can be appealing to those who thrive in structured settings [9]. This predictability and consistency can offer a comforting escape from the unpredictability of real-life social interactions and sensory overload [9].
Video games also allow for social interaction without the pressure of face-to-face communication. Online gaming can provide a unique social outlet where individuals with Asperger’s may find it easier to connect with others in a virtual space [9]. The structured nature of games and the ability to communicate through text or voice chat can alleviate some of the challenges associated with in-person social interactions [9].
[Editor’s Note: This is a destructive trap for people with this condition. They already lack relational intelligence on how to socially connect and when they play video games it reinforces in them the idea that online relationships can be any kind of substitute for real life relationships. Read my articles on Video Games and ADHD and ODD and ADHD and you will begin to understand why the social vulnerabilities of Adults and Children with Level 1 Autism make video game activity especially damaging for them.
What a Level 1 Autism child or adult needs, is a full immersion into relational family life and healthy in-person social interactions with friends that is completely devoid of technological use. It will nurture within the Aspergers child the social intelligence they need, increase impulse control, increase frustration tolerance, increase patience, and strengthen the relational bonds with family members.]
Moreover, video games offer individuals with Asperger’s an opportunity to excel and gain a sense of accomplishment. Many games involve problem-solving, strategy, and critical thinking, which can be stimulating and rewarding for those who enjoy cognitive challenges [9]. Mastering a game or achieving high scores can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of pride [10]. [Editor’s Note: Its a false sense of accomplishment, it produces nothing, develops no real life skills, and at the same time, nurtures the anti-virtues within the person.]
In a study by Mazurek, Engelhardt, and Clark, autistic adults reported that gaming helped them cope with stress, immerse themselves in a different world, and connect socially with others [10]. The study highlighted how online gaming allowed participants to interact with friends who lived far away, meet new people, and compensate for limited face-to-face social interactions [10]. Video games also provided a common topic of conversation and an opportunity to play with family and friends, strengthening relationships [10].
[Editor’s Note: When an addict of any kind uses, they give themselves momentary pleasure that helps them cope with stress and feel good about themselves. The person needs to learn healthy ways to deal with stress. Also, video games stifles conversation. If the only thing in your world to talk about is the video games you played, you’ve regressed socially, not become more intelligent.]
However, it’s important to recognize that excessive gaming can have negative consequences. A study by Mazurek and Engelhardt found that boys with autism spectrum disorders who spent more time gaming exhibited higher levels of problematic behaviors, such as oppositional behavior and inattention [10]. Finding a healthy balance and setting reasonable limits on gaming time is crucial to ensure that other important aspects of life are not neglected [10].
[Editor’s Note: Its easy to say something is excessive. Who defines it? What is important to understand is every second a person accesses technology its acting on the addictive receptors in their brain because its designed that way. And for children, their brain is developing until the age of 26. The truth is any technology use at all for a developing child under the age of 15 and possibly even 18 is excessive.]
In conclusion, video games hold a special appeal for many individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. The structured environment, opportunities for social interaction without face-to-face pressure, and the chance to excel and gain a sense of accomplishment all contribute to the allure of gaming. While video games can provide numerous benefits, it’s essential to strike a balance and ensure that gaming does not become an all-consuming activity at the expense of other important aspects of life.
[Editor’s Note: If you allow your Asperger’s child to play video games, its going to exacerbate his social disconnection and damage your relationship with the child because you will try to regulate a ‘child addict’s’ use. It doesn’t go well when people try to control adult addicts, its going to be particularly toxic when dealing with a child addict]
Signs of Video Game Addiction in Asperger’s Individuals
As you delve deeper into the connection between Asperger’s syndrome and video game addiction, it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs that may indicate problematic gaming behavior. While video games can provide a sense of structure, predictability, and social interaction for individuals with Asperger’s, excessive gaming can lead to significant impairments in daily functioning [9].
One of the most apparent signs of video game addiction is excessive playtime. Individuals with Asperger’s may find themselves spending an inordinate amount of time engrossed in gaming activities, often at the expense of other important aspects of their lives. Studies have shown that boys with autism spectrum disorders who spent more time gaming exhibited higher levels of problematic behaviors, such as oppositional behavior and inattention [10].
Another red flag is the neglect of other activities and responsibilities. When video games become an all-consuming passion, individuals with Asperger’s may start to prioritize gaming over essential tasks like schoolwork, household chores, or personal hygiene. They may also withdraw from real-life social interactions, preferring the virtual world of gaming to face-to-face communication [9].
Withdrawal symptoms can also be a telltale sign of video game addiction in Asperger’s individuals. When unable to access video games, they may experience feelings of irritability, restlessness, or even anger. These negative emotions can be particularly intense for those with Asperger’s, who often rely on gaming as a coping mechanism for managing stress and anxiety [10].
It’s important to note that not all individuals with Asperger’s who enjoy video games will develop an addiction. [Editor’s Note: This is easy to say if your criteria for addiction is very high. Its undeniable that every second that child accesses the video games its triggering the addictive receptors in his brain at a time when his brain is still developing.] However, the unique challenges and characteristics associated with Asperger’s syndrome may increase the risk of problematic gaming behavior [10] [9].
By staying vigilant and addressing excessive gaming early on, you can help prevent the development of a full-blown addiction and promote a healthier relationship with video games. [Editor’s Note: This is marketing propaganda. There is no such thing as a healthy relationship with video games. But there is a billion dollar industry paying for research to reinforce the idea that video games are beneficial for your children if you can just manage to moderate and control it the right way.]
If you suspect that you or someone you know with Asperger’s is struggling with video game addiction, don’t hesitate to seek support. Reaching out to mental health professionals experienced in working with individuals on the autism spectrum can provide valuable guidance and strategies for managing problematic gaming behavior. Remember, with the right approach and support, [Editor’s Note: I call this the parent trap, i’ll expound on it below] it’s possible to find a balance between enjoying video games and maintaining a fulfilling life outside the virtual world.
Strategies for Managing Video Game Use in Asperger’s Syndrome
As you navigate the complex relationship between Asperger’s syndrome and video game addiction, it’s crucial to develop effective strategies for managing gaming habits. By setting clear boundaries, encouraging alternative interests, and using games as rewards, [Editor’s Note: Again, this is subliminal messaging from the video game tycoons, would you ever reward your child with an addictive substance for good behavior; drugs, alcohol, marijuana? Of course not, you don’t want to raise a child to be behaviorally manipulative, you want to raise a child who has an intrinsic motivation to do what is healthy for its own sake] you can help your child with Asperger’s find a healthy balance between virtual and real-world experiences.
One key strategy is to regulate screen time by allocating a specific amount of time for gaming each day and sticking to it [11]. Experts caution against allowing more than three hours of daily screen time, as excessive exposure can impede proper brain development and worsen social interaction challenges [11].
[Editor’s Note: Who is an expert and how did they arrive at the 3 hour mark? Its completely arbitrary, and while they have you thinking you are helping your child, they continue to have free access to your child’s brain to mold it and shape it with their technology and agenda]. By setting a maximum time limit of 1-2 hours per day, depending on your child’s age, you can ensure that gaming doesn’t consume their entire day [11].
Another approach is to make screen time a reward for completing less enjoyable tasks, such as chores or homework [11]. [Editor’s note: I debunked this above] This helps your child understand that gaming is a privilege earned through responsibility and encourages them to engage in a variety of activities. Providing a 10-minute and 5-minute warning before screen time ends can also help your child transition more smoothly to other tasks [11].
Monitoring online activity is essential to ensure your child’s safety in the digital world. Consider using cell phone monitoring applications like Xnspy to track your child’s smartphone usage and determine which applications they spend the most time on [11]. This can help you identify potential issues and guide your child towards more balanced habits.
[Editor’s Note: Monitoring online activity and parental controls are in many ways a trap for parents. Its like allowing a person to partake of their addiction while trying to moderate it, it creates so much relational tension and disconnection between parents and their children, fosters deception and hiding behaviors in the kids, and facilitates a collapse of relational unity and the parent-child love bond. Parents are deceived into thinking they are doing a good thing while they see their relationships deteriorate and their child descend deeper into addiction.
Best possible approach is to eliminate all technology in the child’s life at least until they are in their later teen years and then slowly help the child learn how to use technology without being controlled and mastered by it. At least in the older teen years a child is cognitively much more developed and with good immersion into family life in the younger years will have the relational intelligence and character to reject unhealthy behavior patterns.]
Encouraging alternative interests is another key strategy for managing video game use in individuals with Asperger’s.
[Editor’s Note: Encouraging is not enough, you gotta require it as an expectation of life, immerse your child in daily life with you, not as a choice, but as a requirement. Don’t expect your child to know what is good for them and to choose the right thing. They are not ready for that yet, especially if they are addicted]
By finding other engaging activities that align with your child’s passions, you can help them develop a more diverse range of interests. For example, starting a gaming “club” with other children in the area can provide a social outlet for your child while still allowing them to enjoy gaming in a controlled setting [12]. [Editor’s Note: A gaming club will just reinforce the child’s lack of social intelligence and the idea that online and technology based relationships are a healthy and acceptable substitute for real life relationships.]
Engaging your child in outdoor activities or enrolling them in classes related to their interests, such as game design or programming, can also help broaden their horizons beyond the virtual world [12]. Joining an Asperger’s support group can provide opportunities for both you and your child to connect with others who share similar experiences and discover new activities together [12].
[Editor’s note: Children don’t need to interact with technology until they are closer to adult life, engage in daily relationship with them, involve them in whatever it is you are doing, get them playing outside in nature, make family life the reference point and experience; draw them into the family instead of sending them away from the family].
It’s important to remember that while video games can provide comfort and predictability for individuals with Asperger’s, excessive gaming can hinder social interaction and language development [11]. By setting clear limits, encouraging alternative interests, and using games as rewards, you can help your child strike a healthy balance between the benefits and drawbacks of gaming. [Editor’s note: If your reading these notes, you can already see there is no benefits of video games for your children, only heartache].
Ultimately, the key to managing video game use in Asperger’s syndrome is finding a balance that works for your child and your family. By staying engaged, setting boundaries, and encouraging a diverse range of activities, you can help your child navigate the challenges of gaming addiction while still enjoying the benefits that video games can provide.
With patience, understanding, and a proactive approach, you can support your child’s growth and well-being in both the virtual and real worlds. [Editor’s Note: The balance that will work for your family to get healthy is to not let your kids use technology until they are past the age of 15 and have demonstrated the character and relational intelligence to begin the process of learning to interact with the technology and not be mastered by it. What will enhance your family experience is being technology free and relationally integrated].
Conclusion
The connection between Asperger’s syndrome and video game addiction sheds light on the complex challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. While video games can offer structure, predictability, and a sense of accomplishment, it’s crucial to strike a balance between virtual experiences and real-world interactions. By understanding the appeal of gaming and recognizing the signs of addiction, caregivers and individuals with Asperger’s can work together to develop healthy gaming habits. [Editor’s note: Balance is a deception, you can’t give an addictive substance or technology to a developing brain and have balance]
Implementing strategies to manage video game use, such as setting clear boundaries and encouraging alternative interests, can help to promote overall well-being. These approaches allow individuals with Asperger’s to enjoy the benefits of gaming while minimizing potential drawbacks. If your loved one, child, or partner is dealing with Asperger’s syndrome and a video game addiction, give us a call. We can help!
By fostering a balanced approach to gaming and supporting diverse interests, we can empower individuals with Asperger’s to thrive in both the virtual and real worlds. [Editor’s Note: The only way to promote over all well-being is to not allow your children to use technology at all until at least after the age of 15 and perhaps even the age of 18. Someone asked Senator Josh Hawley why he didn’t let his children use cell phones or social media and his response was, “Because the business model is addiction.” As parents, that should tell us everything we need to know.]
FAQs
Q: Do individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome tend to enjoy playing video games?
A: Yes, individuals with Asperger’s or other autism spectrum conditions may engage in video gaming as a form of escapism. They might use games to cope with negative moods through self-suppression escapism or enhance positive moods through self-expansion escapism.
Q: Why are video games particularly appealing to autistic individuals?
A: Video games provide a structured and predictable environment, which is comforting to many autistic individuals. They serve as an escape from real-world challenges and cater to their preference for routine and focused interests. The nature of video games, with clear rules and repetitive patterns, aligns well with the needs of those on the autism spectrum. [Editor’s Note: When I struggle socially, online interactions become a lazy replacement for real life relationships and nurture my social isolation].
Q: What are the primary symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome?
A: The main symptoms include difficulties with social interactions, a limited understanding of emotions and facial expressions, challenges in using and interpreting nonverbal communication like gestures and body language, and often a lack of expressive facial cues. [Editor’s Note: These symptoms are definitely not going to improve if I get my social interaction through gaming].
Q: What are the characteristics of high-functioning Asperger’s Syndrome?
A: Individuals with high-functioning Asperger’s may struggle with making eye contact, feel awkward in social settings, and find it hard to respond during conversations. They often miss social cues, struggle with interpreting body language, and show limited emotional expressions. They may speak in a monotone and appear less expressive than others.
Q: Can people with Asperger’s develop an addiction to video games?
A: Yes, individuals with Asperger’s can develop an unhealthy obsession with video games, similar to any other person. This can become problematic when gaming starts to take precedence over essential life activities such as work, school, or relationships. It’s crucial for gaming to be moderated to prevent it from becoming a disruptive addiction. [Editor’s note: Moderation is a trap for parents, refer to my other commentaries on this subject].
References
[1] – https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/aspergers_syndrome_social_and_emotional_issues
[2] – https://themindfulgamer.com/the-connection-between-autism-and-video-game-addiction/
[3] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10377367/
[4] – https://educationonline.ku.edu/community/social-difficulties-in-autism-spectrum-disorder
[5] – https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/health/asperger_syndrome__struggles_with_social_interaction/2113842/
[6] – https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center/restricted-interests
[7] – https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues
[8] – https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/challenging_behavior_restricted_interests
[9] – https://www.quora.com/Why-do-people-with-Asperger-syndrome-like-video-games-so-much
[10] – http://madisonhouseautism.org/social-media/video-games-and-autism-helpful-or-harmful/
[11] – https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/screen-time-kids-with-asd/
[12] – https://www.myaspergerschild.com/2010/06/aspergers-children-and-video-game.html