Boys With Autism and ADHD Twice More Likely to Play Video Games

Boys with autism and ADHD are more likely to play video games, a latest study published in journal Pediatrics reveals.

The research found that boys with either autism or ADHD spent nearly twice as much time on video games compared to children without the disorder.

"These results shed light into potential associated features of problematic game use and are consistent with previous studies linking impulsivity and inattention with problematic video game use," the study authors wrote.

The researchers questioned 141 parents who had sons between the ages of eight and 18. Boys tend to have more behavioral issues than girl, so the researchers concentrated only on them for the study. They asked parents about the time their sons generally spent on video games, access to these games and symptoms of possible problems due to video games. For the study, researchers examined 56 boys with autism, 44 with ADHD and 41 without the condition.

The study results showed that children with autism or ADHD played for an average of 2.1 hours compared to 1.2 hours of time spent on video games by those without the disorder. The researchers also found that autistic and ADHD children had video games in their rooms. They also enjoyed role-playing in the games more than other children and were easily irritated.

 "Mastery of a video game by a boy with ASD may lead to improved self-esteem," Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York in New Hyde Park, told HealthDay.

The researchers said they found no particular genre of games among autistic or ADHD children. Children without autism or ADHD though were more likely to play shooting games and sports games.

"Causal conclusions cannot be drawn from the current findings. Longitudinal studies are needed to extend this research and to examine the long-term effects of screen-based media use in children with (autism spectrum disorder)," the authors wrote.