Aspergers Children Who Are Addicted To The Computer

Question

My son has been diagnosed with Aspergers pdd-nos, he talks fine, eye contact sometimes, but still in his own world. He is ten. At the age of 3 or 4 was playing video games and beating all of them from Zelda to hand held games. Good visual, but socialization not good, he has been on the computer now for a good year and a half, taught himself language C and language C++, goes on Youtube, became a spammer, writes his own programs, don't really know what they do. Lives almost his social life through it. Don't know what to do. Can't get him off, he literally cries. But so smart, but can't figure out what to do for him next. Please help.

Answer

Here is some "Self-Help" for Computer Addiction:

Some Aspergers children develop bad habits in their computer use that cause them significant problems in their lives. The types of behavior and negative consequences are similar to those of known addictive disorders; therefore, the term Computer or Internet Addiction has come into use.

While anyone who uses a computer could be vulnerable, those Aspergers children who are lonely, shy, easily bored, or suffering from another addiction or impulse control disorder as especially vulnerable to computer abuse.

Computer abuse can result from Aspergers children using it repeatedly as their main stress reliever, instead of having a variety of ways to cope with negative events and feelings. Other misuses can include procrastination from undesirable responsibilities, distraction from being upset, and attempts to meet needs for companionship and belonging.

While discussions are ongoing about whether excessive use of the computer/Internet is an addiction, the potential problematic behaviors and effects on the users seem to be clear.

The Signs of Problematic Computer Use—

A child or teen who is “addicted” to the computer is likely to have several of the experiences and feelings on the list below. How many of them describe you?

• When you are not on the computer, you think about it frequently and anticipate when you will use it again.
• You develop problems in school or on the job as a result of the time spent and the type of activities accessed on the computer.
• You feel anxious, depressed, or irritable when your computer time is shortened or interrupted.
• You find yourself lying to your boss and family about the amount of time spent on the computer and what you do while on it.
• You have mixed feelings of well-being and guilt while at the computer.
• You lose track of time while on the computer.
• You make unsuccessful efforts to quit or limit your computer use.
• You neglect friends, family and/or responsibilities in order to be online.
• You use the computer repeatedly as an outlet when sad, upset, or for sexual gratification.

Being “addicted” to the computer also can cause physical discomfort. Are you suffering from the following physical problems?

• Back aches and neck aches
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain, numbness, and burning in your hands that can radiate up the wrists, elbows, and shoulders)
• Dry eyes or strained vision
• Severe headaches
• Sleep disturbances

Do any of these stories sound familiar to you?

• Almost all of your friends are from on-line activities and contacts.
• You connect to the Internet and suddenly discover it is several hours later and you have not left the computer.
• You have difficulty getting your homework done because computer games occupy a great deal of your time.
• You spend most of your time on-line talking to friends from home, instead of making new friends at college.
• Your friends are worried about you going on a date alone with a person known only from a chat room.
• Your romantic partner is distraught because you have replaced your sexual relationship with Internet pornography and online sex.

Treatment must begin with recognizing that there is a problem. Overcoming denial should be followed by other treatment steps, including:

• Assessing for other disorders like depression or anxiety that may need medical treatment.
• Assistance in locating or forming a support group for other students who are trying to regain control over their computer use.
• Focusing on other areas for needed skill enhancement, such as problem solving, assertiveness, social skills, overcoming shyness, and anger control.
• Generating a behavior modification plan, such as setting a timer for usage, planning a daily schedule, keeping a log of moods when going online, matching time spent online with time spent socializing face to face and taking part in non-computer related activities.

How to Help Computer Obsessed Friends—

• Be a good role model. Manage the computer use in your own life well.
• Encourage them to seek professional counseling.
• Get them involved in some non-computer related fun.
• Introduce them to some other kids who handle their computer use sensibly.
• Support their desire for change if they think they have a problem.
• Talk to your friends about your concerns with their computer use.

My Aspergers Child: Preventing Meltdowns and Home and School