According to the American Medical Association, ADHD is “one of the best-researched disorders in medicine.” However, despite this, no one really knows what causes ADHD or how to cure it. So when a new approach comes along, it's welcomed with open arms by the scientific community. Well, just such a thing has happened, and it's resulted in some great findings.
A "first-of-its-kind survey" was conducted by Information Solutions Group on behalf of PopCap Games (who you may have read about before). Involving 13,296 respondents, about 220 were children suffering from some level of ADHD. According to the results, certain types of video games appear to have a therapeutic affect on the disorder, lessening symptoms and helping kids focus. And of course, kids love it, and doctors and parents alike couldn't be more pleased. Dr. Carl Arinoldo, a Stony Brook, New York-based psychologist of 25 years’ experience reports:
“It seems that children with AD/HD often lack that sense of control that comes much more easily to their non-AD/HD peers. Playing casual games such as Peggle and Bejeweled, among others, is one area in their lives in which these children can experience some sense of control with the added benefit of achieving success in something. Both of these aspects, taken together, can serve to enhance the child’s self-concept and self-esteem.”
Joe P. of Athens, Georgia, a father of a child diagnosed with ADHD, wrote in response to the survey, “He seems more relaxed and calm. We have also noticed after playing games, he can concentrate on school materials such as math, in which he has the biggest struggle, and not get frustrated with problems he doesn't understand.”
He ain't the only one, either, but hey, space is limited!
Here's a breakdown of the benefits cited:
83% cited Improved concentration skills/Increased attention span70% cited Improved hand-eye coordination/Manual dexterity64% cited Stress relief/Relaxation60% cited Learning (pattern recognition, resource allocation, spelling, typing skills)56% cited Mental workouts/Memory strengthening/Mentally sharp and focused55% cited Mood-lifting51% cited Positive affirmation/Increased confidence/Sense of accomplishment
