Video Gaming Risks in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders 1. Griffiths, M. D. (2016). Gaming Addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder. In R. Kowert, & T. Quandt (Eds.), The Video Game Debate: Unraveling the Physical, Social, and Psychological Effects of Digital Games. New York: Routledge. 2. Lonie, N. (2014). Online Safety for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 3. Engelhardt, C. R., Mazurek, M. O., & Sohl, K. (2013). Media Use and Sleep Amount in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Typical Development. Pediatrics, 1081-1089. 4. Engelhardt, C., & Mazurek, M. (2014). Video game access, parental rules, and problem behavior: A study of boys with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 529-537. 5. Mazurek, M. O., & Engelhardt, C. R. (2013). Video Game Use in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Typical Development. Pediatrics, 260-266. 6. Mazurek, M., & Engelhardt, C. (2013). Video game use and problem behaviors in boys with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 316-324. 7. Grandin, T., & Moore, D. (2015). The Loving Push: How parents and professionals can help spectrum kids become successful adults. Arlington: Future Horizons. 8. Lynn, G. T. (2012, February 19). Understanding and Helping the Asperger's Plus Child K-12 and Beyond Seminar Handout. Minnesota: Metro ECSU. Images used under license from Shutterstock.com Joseph Falkner, MST/CCC-SLP©, 2016 Prevalence of risky game use: 1 Neurotypical Gamers: below 10% ASD Gamers: unknown, under- researched 1, 8 Features of Gaming Addiction : Salience (most important part of life; pre-occupied with gaming) Mood Modification (because of gaming) Tolerance (need more gaming for mood) Withdrawal (aversive mood or health) Relapse (return to past gaming habits) Conflict (negative consequences--continued use even with adverse consequences) 1 Negative Consequences : Sacrificing (work, relationships, education, hobbies) Impacts on Sleep Increased stress/decreased well-being Loneliness/poorer social skills Aggressiveness/oppositional behavior Maladapative coping/cognition Decreased academic achievement Inattention/decreased verbal memory Contributions of ASD on Gaming 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Addiction Difficulty shifting attention/disengaging from video games Fixations/preoccupations with video games Social isolation/decreased social skills Increased arousal (differences in ANS) Sensory defensiveness: may avoid outdoor or other types of play Electronics often used as reward Differences Between NT and ASD 3, 4, 5, 6 Gamers Gamers with ASD spend more time playing video games Gamers with ASD have more bedroom video game access Bedroom access=less time sleeping Bedroom access=more oppositional behavior Gamers with ASD have more problematic use 2, 7, 8 Steps to Helping : Know the signs that a problem is occurring Track amount of gaming time Remove gaming console/computer from room Use a 3:1 “green” outdoor to gaming hourly ratio Avoid using electronics to avoid meltdowns Find or develop a support group for individual struggling with gaming addiction Work with a therapist specializing in gaming addiction (therapist may need supports in working with individuals with ASD) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective in treating gaming addiction