Minecraft Games Help Kids With Autism Develop Interaction, Concentration & Problem Solving Skills

Minecraft autism science

By Staff Reporter , Parent Herald Jun 11, 07:30 am

Minecraft has been a favorite game by millions of children who are addicted to online gaming. The good news, this fun and challenging game is not restricted to children who are mentally challenged.

According to the BBC, this block-building video game encourages children's ability to interact. This is supported by a speech and language expert from National Autistic Society, who reported that the said game improves a child's ability to focus and communicate. The expert also noted that it has positive influence to a child's problem-solving skills.

Dr. Randy Kulman posted in Learning Works for Kids that in his entire practice he had worked with teens and children who are very fond of Minecraft.

Dr. Kulman shared why children love the Minecraft, and the reasons are as follows:

1. The game is spontaneous

Children can play the game in the whatever way they want it be. Most games have rules, after finishing a particular stage one has to move on and play the next stage, which can be more challenging. "This is especially interesting, considering the fact that kids affected by Autism generally desire repetition, rules, and knowing what to expect," says Dr. Kulman.

A 14-year-old teen with autism even says he loves the game because he does not need to follow a particular flow of story to enjoy it.

2. They can play it according to their whims

Kids can build walls, buildings, churches, rollercoasters in whichever manner they want too. They can kill zombies, creepers or endermen. The game is interesting because it fuels the interest of its gamers without limitation.

Aside from sparking creativity, it addresses the children with autism's interest. Dr. Kulman added that when spoke with a 12-year-old autism patient, the latter excitedly shared how fun the game was. The child even spoke about Minecraft facts so quickly, Kulman had a hard time following his words.

3. Minecraft offers endless opportunities

Unlike other games, one can do anything in Minecraft without being wrong. Players are not concerned when someone ruined or changed what was built. When one is killed, he can always come back.

4. Children are in control of the game

An 11-year old boy previously diagnosed with PDD has shared that he enjoyed the game because he can do anything he wants, build anything he wishes and even kick out anyone he does not want to play with.

While the game improves children's creativity and productivity, it has received mixed sentiments from parents. They admitted that their children's ability to interact with other children improved. However, their concern is that sometimes their children are so engrossed with the game, they are not willing to leave their computers anymore.