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ASD, ADHD increased problematic video game usage

Video game usage is more likely to be problematic in boys with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder compared with those with typical development, according to recent study findings published in Pediatrics.

“These results suggest that children with ASD and those with ADHD may be at particularly high risk for significant problems related to video game play, including excessive and problematic video game use,” researchers wrote. “Attention problems, in particular, are associated with problematic video game play for children with ASD and ADHD, and role-playing games appear to be related to problematic game use particularly among children with ASD.”

The study included parents of boys aged 8 to 18 years with ASD (n=56), ADHD (n=44) or typical development (n=41). Participants completed questionnaires on hours of video game use, in-room access, genre, problematic use, ASD symptoms, and ADHD symptoms.

Researchers found that the ASD group played video games more compared with the typical development group (P=.01), video game systems were more likely to be in the rooms of ASD and ADHD groups compared with the typical development group (P=.001 and P=.002, respectively). The typical development group was more likely to play role-playing video games compared with the ASD group and more likely to play sports games compared with the ADHD group. Inattentive symptoms also were predictors of problematic game play in the ASD and ADHD groups.

“Although longitudinal research is needed to examine the outcomes of problematic video game use in these special populations, general population studies have shown that problematic game use can have significant detrimental effects,” researchers wrote. “Thus, the current findings indicate a need for heightened awareness and assessment of problematic video game use in clinical care settings for children with ASD and ADHD.”

Disclosure: The study was funded by the University of Missouri Research Board.