Games for Children with Autism: Do's and Don'ts

For more than 10 years now, my Autistic son has spent a lot of his time on the computer playing games. Initially, I had him playing educational games that helped him learn. As he grew older, these types of games lost some of their appeal. However, he was able to continue to use games to teach him things, as he started playing strategy games, which are very challenging and have some interesting things to share. My point is, that, certain games work for children with Autism, and some do not! What follows are some do's and don'ts about choosing computer games for kids with autism.

DO: Start the child young, as they need all the help they can get, and many kids with autism learn best with something that is a visual tool, hence computers in general will provide lots of help. Try "Jump Start," "Reader Rabbit," and "Leap Ahead" programs, as most start at the toddler level and go as high as 12 years old.

DON'T: Let them play something completely outside their age group unless they have had exposure elsewhere and they are able to play properly. The exception, of course, is any game that has excessive violence and is rated MA or T (Teen) when you are considering games for young children.

DO: Encourage them to play other games besides educational software. Disney makes all kinds of Activity Center games that are both educational and fun.

DON'T: Let them play for longer than an hour or two at a time, especially if they are prone to "scripting" game dialogue. They can become too engrossed in the game and they may act out. I know, because it happens with my son every so often.

DO: Say "NO" if the game is not age appropriate! It does not matter if their friends are allowed to play it, if you don't want them playing a certain game, say so!

DON'T: Be afraid to tell another child's parent that you don't want your child playing a certain game, especially if the rating is Teen or MA. That parent should understand, and be willing to intervene appropriately. If not, that's a completely separate issue.

DO: Know what's available for your child's age group and the next level up. Especially, with educational software. I often put my son on the next level up, to see if it would spark something, and while his skills are all over the scale, he did learn something.

DON'T: Be afraid to ask your school district to get a specific educational game for your child's school, especially if it works and could benefit other children.

DO: Tell the IEP team what works for your son or daughter. Trust me; The interest could spread to other children.

DON'T: Let them play your video games, even if it means you have to play after they go to bed! If you are playing Grand Theft Auto, they shouldn't be unless they are old enough.

These simple rules can apply to all children, whether they have Autism or not. Sometimes, as parents, we forget that children should be told no, even if it would be easier to say yes. While I allow my son some latitude by letting him play strategy games, the catch is that he's not capable enough to get to the part where there might be blood. He just has a lot of fun and learns a lot from doing the basics. I also tell him no, even when his friends are allowed to play games that I feel are too violent.

The other key is to educate your child on what the various ratings mean. I am able to review any possible game choices he might make because he now recognizes what each one means and knows that if it is rated MA he is not going to get it, period. He understands that he can play anything rated Teen or lower, which makes my life, and his, much easier. This is my parental choice. If other parents are a little more lax, than that is their choice. It may really depend on the child, as well as, a parent's individual style of parenting. Just remember, be smart in your choices and you will thank yourself for it later!