Children on the Autism Spectrum and Video Game Obsessions
Question
How can I get my autistic child (high functioning) to do things besides computer and video games? He just does not want to go out and do things!
Answer
Many moms and dads speak of the same problem: their youngster spends far too much time on the computer or playing games. Video and computer games are addicting for anyone, but kids with ASD (high-functioning autism) are especially fond of the repetition that can be comforting. The games are both predictable and entertaining. While it's important your child enjoys his time on the computer and video, it's also important he get out into the world and remains active.
My advice is to play on his passions, in this case gaming. Find other kids in the area and start a gaming “club” of sorts, where you can rotate homes and have what seemingly is a playgroup with video games. Set limits for the computer that allow him ample playing time, but also allow him to socialize, or spend time outdoors. Video game obsession is common among all kids, and while it can be hard to control, it's not entirely impossible.
Depending on the age your child is, a part time job reviewing or testing games could be something to look into. Your local community college may even offer smaller, intimate classes for a future gamer, and while getting your child to agree that it sounds like something he may like to try may be a challenge, it also may give you peace of mind that all that gaming is for a good cause.
If you are keen on socialization and activities that don't involve gaming, try to find an ASD support group in the area. This is a great way for both you and your child to meet folks. You can search your towns website, yahoo groups, or Meetup.com (a website for social groups) to find resources in the area that can benefit you. Getting together at parks or museums is one way to get you and your child out of the house and meeting other folks.
When it comes to video games and summer vacation, you'll need to be firm. Giving in to your child sounds [and is] much easier than insisting he get outside for a bit, or partake in other activities. Set limits, stick with them, and both you and your child will enjoy the summer together.
If you can, try to devise a system that keeps track of your child’s video game time. For every hour that he spends outdoors, or engaged in other activities, he can “earn” 20 minutes on the computer. To some moms and dads, this seems juvenile -- but it works!
Resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum:
==> How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
==> Parenting System that Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder
==> Launching Adult Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance
==> Teaching Social-Skills and Emotion-Management to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
==> Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism: Parents' Comprehensive Handbook
==> Unraveling the Mystery Behind High-Functioning Autism: Audio Book
==> Crucial Research-Based Parenting Strategies for Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism
==> Parenting System that Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder
==> Launching Adult Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance
==> Teaching Social-Skills and Emotion-Management to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
==> Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism: Parents' Comprehensive Handbook
==> Unraveling the Mystery Behind High-Functioning Autism: Audio Book
==> Crucial Research-Based Parenting Strategies for Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism
Comments
He's taken to listening to audio books in his room while building legos. Not exactly the outdoor/activity thing I'd like, but at least it's not mindless!
2 hours ago · Like
2 hours ago · Like · 2
You'd be much better off (in my biased opinion) trying to get him interested in web design, creating videos, drawing on the computer, etcetera.
When I was young my parents didn't have a problem getting me to go outside. But we moved so much I kept having to remake friends, and if my friends were into gaming, I didn't care about the outside.
As far as weight you address that with proper eating habits, not with arbitrarily raising exercise levels. He's not going to be getting a high paying job by going outside and playing, especially if you do move every few years, so you'd be much better off getting him interested in programming, or something else that will give him a heads up in the business world when they get older.
Plus people are horrible. I don't make friends anymore because they all exploit, steal, and lie in order to get what they want and they're never there when I need help. All of my siblings (none of which seem to have any autistic traits) have friends who ruin their lives. My mom has friends who ruin her life. The only one whose life doesn't get ruined by friends, is my dad, whose quite wealthy (parents are divorced)
So really, what are you teaching them by enticing them to go out and frolic that you expect them to benefit from later on in life.
Then again my parents didn't know I had Asperger's they still may not know, so, take my advice with the inherent bias' I have.
I just think that 3 hours on a computer can benefit them much more than 12 hours outside playing. They already have struggles with socializing. With the way society is going with cellphones, computers, tablets, and social networks, how would they really benefit.
I spent a lot of time playing in the sun. Can't really come up with any benefits it had. Even though I'd play with friends and neighbors a lot as a child I ended up Obese because my parents didn't have a healthy diet and proportions. We're talking chunky baby falling asleep into a cake kind of stuff.
So from someone with Asperger's I'd really like to know what the benefit really is, considering that the jobs are going to computer techs. Would you rather them LARP?
You'd be much better off (in my biased opinion) trying to get him interested in web design, creating videos, drawing on the computer, etcetera.
When I was young my parents didn't have a problem getting me to go outside. But we moved so much I kept having to remake friends, and if my friends were into gaming, I didn't care about the outside.
As far as weight you address that with proper eating habits, not with arbitrarily raising exercise levels. He's not going to be getting a high paying job by going outside and playing, especially if you do move every few years, so you'd be much better off getting him interested in programming, or something else that will give him a heads up in the business world when they get older.
Plus people are horrible. I don't make friends anymore because they all exploit, steal, and lie in order to get what they want and they're never there when I need help. All of my siblings (none of which seem to have any autistic traits) have friends who ruin their lives. My mom has friends who ruin her life. The only one whose life doesn't get ruined by friends, is my dad, whose quite wealthy (parents are divorced)
So really, what are you teaching them by enticing them to go out and frolic that you expect them to benefit from later on in life.
Then again my parents didn't know I had Asperger's they still may not know, so, take my advice with the inherent bias' I have.
I just think that 3 hours on a computer can benefit them much more than 12 hours outside playing. They already have struggles with socializing. With the way society is going with cellphones, computers, tablets, and social networks, how would they really benefit.
I spent a lot of time playing in the sun. Can't really come up with any benefits it had. Even though I'd play with friends and neighbors a lot as a child I ended up Obese because my parents didn't have a healthy diet and proportions. We're talking chunky baby falling asleep into a cake kind of stuff.
So from someone with Asperger's I'd really like to know what the benefit really is, considering that the jobs are going to computer techs. Would you rather them LARP?