Video games can be a great tool to engage children with disability and lead to many benefits including combating social isolation and developing fine motor skills…
It’s important for services, facilities, and schools to be inclusive, and it’s the same for video games too. There is lots of special educational needs advice about video games and how they can be used to support a child with a disability. From physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy to learning disabilities like autism and ADHD, there is something out there that can develop your child’s skills leading to a happy and more independent life for them.
This article discusses 8 ways that video games can be used to support children with disabilities…
1. They can help to manage your child’s disability
Incredibly, Professor Peter Bingham has created some video games that are designed to assist children who have cystic fibrosis with their daily respiratory therapy. To play these games, you have to use a spirometer – as opposed to a hand-held controller. The child needs to blow into the spirometer in a certain way, and this will get the game to do different things – just as they would with a hand-held controller. This blowing is similar to what someone with cystic fibrosis would have to do for respiratory therapy. So it’s a fun way to get your child to complete their therapy!
2. They can calm your child
Playing video games or games on a tablet or phone can be very calming for children with a cognitive disability such as ADHD or Autism. Games that produce noises and vibrations as you move your fingers/hands around the controller or screen can be very stimulating, depending on the setting which leads to a child feeling more relaxed.
If a child is relaxed, they are more likely to want to take part in other activities which could be a great tool for teachers and schools.
3. They can help to develop your child’s fine motor skills
Video game and apps can help to develop fine motor skills in children with Cerebral Palsy. Most children LOVE technology and are quick to pick up how to use it. Many children with Cerebral Palsy who struggle to engage in other fine motor activities will happily use our tablets, phones or video games.
This article shares 14 of the best apps for developing fine motor skills for children with cerebral palsy to get you started.
4. They can help to increase a child’s focus
Some children with learning difficulties struggle to focus on tasks which can leave them feeling frustrated and parents unable to leave them, even for a few minutes. Research in a trial for a game called ‘Dino Island’ has found that children stay focussed for longer. This could be down to how the game adapts to players successes and failures, changing the puzzles offered in order to keep them motivated.
This is a great tool for teachers and schools to use in order to keep children with learning difficulties, such as Autism and ADHD engaged in activities.
5. It’s a way to socialise and combat isolation
Gaming is a way for children with disabilities to socialise, that they might find difficult otherwise. There are many barriers to disabled children socialising and gaming takes away a lot of these. When playing a video game online, a child might not even need to disclose their disability to the people they are playing with. It’s also a great way for children to stay in touch with their friends if there are limited disability friendly services around them.
If your child is chatting to people online, remember to monitor this and ensure online safety is being followed.
6. They can improve communication
Games that use visual storytelling and social modelling can help to develop your child’s speaking, listening and communicating skills. It’s amazing what kids can pick up from a video! It can also help children to pick up language patterns and understand body language which will help them in social situations such as school.
7. They can develop organisation skills
Video games help with organisation skills through managing time in different challenges and planning their next steps. Video games can also help with changing routines, which is something that children with autism or ADHD can find difficult.
8. They can improve reading and writing skills
Reading, writing, and spelling skills can be the foundation for a strong education. Video and app games usually give both verbal and written instructions. This is a great way to develop your child’s skills. You can start with easier modes and work the way up with your child.
As well as video games, there are lots of other games and activities that can improve reading and writing skills in children. These might be cheaper and simpler options in the short-term until you find a video game that works for your child.
Ready to support your child with video games?
There are lots of articles and discussion boards that talk about disability-friendly video games that don’t need to break the bank. Start with a few on your phone or tablet to see what your child engages with and then brand out into console games. You’ll be surprised how video games can positively impact your child’s life!
If you have any experience with video games that can support children with disabilities, let us know in the comments below.
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