Part 1: The Benefits of Video Games, Apps, and Board Games for ADHD
Part 1: Video Games
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in sustaining attention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. While traditional treatment approaches involve therapies and medication, there's a growing interest in exploring the potential benefits of video games, apps, and board games as supplementary tools to help individuals with ADHD improve their focus, cognitive skills, and self-regulation abilities. However, like any tool or activity, their effectiveness varies from person to person, and moderation is key.
Potential Benefits
Improved Focus and Attention: Certain games require sustained attention and focus to achieve objectives. Engaging in this type of activity can help individuals practice and strengthen their attention skills.
Enhanced Executive Function: Many games involve decision-making, planning, and organization. Playing games that challenge these executive functions can contribute to their development.
Stress Relief: Games can provide a source of entertainment and relaxation, helping individuals manage stress and anxiety associated with ADHD.
Goal Achievement: Accomplishing in-game tasks, missions, or achievements can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem for adults with ADHD.
Therapeutic Benefits: Some games are specifically designed to improve cognitive skills, such as memory, problem-solving, and mental flexibility. These games can serve as a fun way to exercise cognitive functions.
Considerations
Time Management: Individuals with ADHD can be prone to hyperfocus, where they become absorbed in an activity and lose track of time. They also may have a tendency towards time blindness. It's important to set limits on gaming time and prioritize other responsibilities.
Game Selection: Not all games are created equal. Choose games that require strategic thinking, planning, and cognitive engagement rather than those that promote impulsivity or overstimulation.
Balancing Activities: Video games should complement a well-rounded routine that includes physical activity, social interactions, and other hobbies. Again, balance is key.
Individual Differences: Everyone's response to video games varies. Some individuals may find them beneficial, while others might struggle with overuse or distraction. No one’s ADHD presents in exactly the same way. It's important to be attuned to personal preferences and limitations.
Ultimately, the impact of video games on adults with ADHD depends on factors such as game choice, individual preferences, and overall lifestyle. When integrated thoughtfully into a comprehensive ADHD management plan, video games can offer positive cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. With that in mind, here are several recommended video games, apps, and board games that may be beneficial to individuals with ADHD.
“Stardew Valley”
This farming simulation game is not merely a game; it's a virtual escape that offers players a rich and immersive experience in managing their own farm. Developed by ConcernedApe, this indie game encourages various skills that those with ADHD typically struggle with. Players are tasked with managing their character's daily schedule, allocating time to tend to crops, care for animals, mine for resources, interact with villagers, and engage in other activities.
Players must also decide what to focus on each day, considering factors like seasonality, weather, and resource availability. Not only that, but players must build relationships with villagers through conversation, gift-giving, and participation in festivals. By achieving milestones such as completing community center bundles or winning the affection of certain characters, players experience a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Skills Addressed
Time Management
Planning Ahead
Organization
Task Prioritization
Community Engagement
Focus on long-term goals
This game is in actuality a platform that provides a supportive environment for players to practice and develop skills that can positively impact their daily lives. As players tend to their virtual farms and grow alongside their in-game community, they also nurture important life skills that extend beyond the digital realm.
“Mine Craft”
With its open-world environment, players engage in creativity, problem-solving, and resource management. Created by Mojang Studios, the game's non-linear nature allows for flexible exploration and goal setting. The game's most distinctive feature is its open-world environment, where players are dropped into a procedurally generated world made up of blocks. For adults with ADHD, this open-ended approach provides an outlet for their creative impulses and encourages them to explore various building and design ideas.
As they establish goals—whether building a towering castle or crafting complex machinery—they learn to manage their time and resources effectively. The process of setting objectives and breaking them down into achievable steps parallels the challenges of organizing tasks in daily life. The absence of a rigid narrative encourages exploration and discovery. For adults with ADHD, this non-linear approach aligns with their preference for variety and flexibility.
Skills Addressed
Open-World Creativity
Problem-Solving Adventures
Critical Thinking
Resource Management
Goal Setting
Non-Linear Exploration and Flexibility
"Minecraft" offers an expansive world of possibilities that resonates with individuals dealing with ADHD. The game provides a space where players can develop and hone a variety of cognitive and executive skills.
“Rocket League”
Combining soccer with rocket-powered cars, this game demands split-second decision-making, coordination, and teamwork. The fast-paced matches provide a dynamic environment for improving attention and reaction skills. Developed by Psyonix, the game offers more than just entertainment. For adults with ADHD, "Rocket League" provides a dynamic platform to enhance attention, reaction skills, and cooperative strategies.
The unpredictable nature of the game, coupled with intense moments of competition, creates a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Managing the stress and excitement of fast-paced matches can contribute to improved stress management skills and emotional regulation.
Skills Addressed
Fast-Paced Decision-Making
Hand-Eye Coordination
Reflexes
Teamwork
Communication
Enhanced Attention
Reaction Skills
Dynamic Environment and Stress Management
"Rocket League" isn't just about rocket-powered cars and soccer—it's a game that challenges players' cognitive skills and interpersonal abilities. It provides a thrilling and rewarding experience that can translate positively into various aspects of an individual's life.
“Wii Sports”
"Wii Sports" is a collection of sports simulation games released for the Nintendo Wii console. This game offers a unique experience that combines physical activity with video gaming, making it potentially beneficial for adults with ADHD due to its active engagement, social interaction, and variety of sports activities.
This game offers a range of sports activities, each requiring different movements and strategies. This variety can appeal to individuals with ADHD who often thrive in environments that provide novelty and different challenges. The shifting between activities can prevent boredom and maintain sustained interest.
Skills Addressed
Physical Engagement
Energy Release
Immediate Feedback
Sensory Stimulation
Social Interaction and Communication
Motor Coordination and Reflexes
"Wii Sports" offers a dynamic and physically engaging gaming experience that can cater to the preferences and needs of adults with ADHD. Through its active gameplay, variety of sports activities, social interaction, and physical benefits, the game provides a balanced outlet for energy and offers a valuable tool for cognitive engagement and social interaction.
“Super Mario Odyssey”
"Super Mario Odyssey," developed by Nintendo, is a platformer game that takes players on an epic adventure alongside Mario and his sentient hat, Cappy. The game presents players with intricate levels filled with puzzles and challenges which encourages players to analyze situations, experiment with different approaches, and strategize to overcome.
"Super Mario Odyssey" boasts vibrant and visually captivating worlds, creating an immersive experience that naturally holds players' attention. The game's positive feedback loop, where players are rewarded for their achievements with visual and auditory cues, can help maintain focus and motivation.
Skills Addressed
Puzzle-Solving
Critical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Adaptive Problem-Solving
Engaging Mechanics
Motivation
Positive Feedback
"Super Mario Odyssey" is more than just a platformer; it's a mental workout that offers a combination of puzzle-solving, strategic thinking, and engaging mechanics. For adults with ADHD, the game's focus-enhancing qualities, problem-solving challenges, and visually stimulating environments provide an enjoyable way to develop cognitive skills that extend beyond the digital world.
