Part 3: The Benefits of Video Games, Apps, and Board Games for ADHD
As discussed in Parts 1 and 2, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in sustaining attention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. Various treatment options are available, including therapies and medication. However, with the growth in technological and medical research, there's a growing interest in exploring the potential benefits of video games, apps, and board games. When used as supplementary tools, they have been found helpful to individuals with ADHD to improve their focus, cognitive skills, and self-regulation abilities. In Part 3, we will explore the use of board games.
Potential Benefits
Improved Focus and Attention: Board games require players to pay attention to rules, strategies, and the actions of other players. This helps individuals with ADHD practice and enhance their ability to focus and sustain attention on a specific task for an extended period, which can be challenging for them in other contexts.
Enhanced Executive Functioning: Many board games involve planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Playing these games can help individuals with ADHD develop and strengthen their executive functioning skills, including organization, time management, and impulse control, which are often areas of difficulty for them.
Social Interaction and Communication Skills: Board games provide opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. Engaging in these games can help individuals with ADHD improve their social skills, such as turn-taking, active listening, and following social cues, which can be valuable for building and maintaining relationships.
Reduced Screen Time: Board games offer a screen-free form of entertainment and engagement. Encouraging individuals with ADHD to play board games can help reduce excessive screen time, which is a common concern, and promote more balanced and varied leisure activities.
Stress Reduction: board games can be an enjoyable way for individuals with ADHD to relax, unwind, and have fun while simultaneously reaping these cognitive and social benefits.
Considerations
Complex Rules: Board games with overly complex or convoluted rules can be overwhelming for individuals with ADHD. It's best to avoid games that require extensive setup, have intricate rulebooks, or involve a steep learning curve.
Long Playing Times: Games that take several hours to complete may test the patience and attention span of individuals with ADHD. It's advisable to select games with shorter playing times or options for saving progress if the game can't be finished in one sitting.
High-Stress Games: Some board games, especially competitive ones with intense decision-making and time pressure, can lead to frustration and anxiety for individuals with ADHD. Games that require constant vigilance and quick thinking may not be the best choice.
Lack of Engagement: Games that don't provide regular opportunities for active participation or have long periods of downtime can lead to restlessness and reduced engagement for individuals with ADHD. Look for games that keep all players involved throughout the gameplay.
Games with Frequent Rule Changes: Some board games introduce new rules or variations as the game progresses. These can be confusing for individuals with ADHD, so it's best to choose games with consistent rules throughout.
Ultimately, the best board game for someone with ADHD will depend on their individual preferences and tolerances. It's a good idea to read reviews and, if possible, try out games before purchasing them to ensure they align with the individual's comfort and enjoyment. With that in mind, here are several recommended apps that may be beneficial to individuals with ADHD.
“Catan”
"Catan," also known as "The Settlers of Catan," is a popular strategy-based board game. Beyond its entertainment value, the game offers numerous cognitive and social benefits, making it an engaging choice for adults, including those with ADHD, who seek to enhance their resource management, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.
Skills Addressed
Resource Management
Planning
Critical Thinking
Decision-Making
Negotiation
Social Interaction
Probability
Risk Assessment
Strategic Diplomacy
Persuasion
Adaptation
"Catan" isn't just a board game—it's a cognitive and social journey that empowers players with a wide array of skills. From resource management to negotiation and critical thinking to strategic diplomacy, the game provides an engaging and interactive experience for adults, including those with ADHD. Through its dynamic gameplay and constant need for adaptation, "Catan" offers players the opportunity to develop practical skills that can be applied to everyday decision-making and social interactions.
“Rush Hour”
"Rush Hour" is a single-player puzzle game that transforms the chaos of gridlocked traffic into a captivating mental challenge. Through its engaging mechanics, the game enhances spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and planning skills, making it a valuable choice for adults, including those with ADHD, who seek to sharpen their cognitive abilities.
Skills Addressed
Spatial Reasoning
Visualization
Problem-Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning
Sequential Thinking
Trial and Error Learning
Immediate Feedback and Rewards
"Rush Hour" is a cognitive workout that challenges players to unlock the gridlock of their minds. Through its focus on spatial reasoning, problem-solving, planning, and sequential thinking, the game provides a structured and engaging environment for adults, including those with ADHD, to develop cognitive skills.
“Qwirkle”
"Qwirkle" is a tile-placement game that blends colors and shapes into a captivating exercise of pattern recognition and strategic thinking. Players must match tiles based on either color or shape to create rows and columns. This requirement compels players to analyze the available options, anticipate potential combinations, and identify the best placements for their tiles. Through its engaging gameplay, the game offers a platform for adults, including those with ADHD, to enhance cognitive skills while experiencing the satisfaction of creating order out of the colorful chaos.
Skills Addressed
Pattern Recognition and Analysis
Visual-Spatial Skills
Strategic Planning and Adaptation
Flexible and Dynamic Play
Pattern Creation and Creativity
"Qwirkle’s" dynamic and flexible gameplay offers a stimulating environment for adults, including those with ADHD, to refine their cognitive abilities. As players arrange tiles into strategic formations, they discover the beauty of order and strategy, experiencing the satisfaction that comes with successfully merging colors and shapes to achieve a winning pattern.
“Blokus”
“Blokus" is a board game that offers a unique blend of strategic planning and spatial awareness. While enjoyable for players of all ages, the game also presents distinct advantages for adults, including those with ADHD. Through its dynamic gameplay, "Blokus" promotes critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and interactive engagement that cater to the cognitive preferences of individuals with ADHD.
The game centers on the placement of Tetris-like pieces on the game board. Players must skillfully arrange their pieces while blocking opponents from doing the same. This requires a keen understanding of space, shapes, and strategic positioning—a perfect fit for developing spatial reasoning skills.
Skills Addressed
Spatial Strategy and Visual Analysis
Strategic Thinking and Planning
Adaptive Problem-Solving
Visual Engagement and Interaction
Competitive and Social Dynamics
Short-Term Rewards and Progress
"Blokus" is a game that celebrates spatial prowess and strategic thinking, offering an engaging and interactive platform for adults, including those with ADHD, to enhance their cognitive skills. Through its unique blend of spatial reasoning, strategic planning, and interactive dynamics, the game offers an enjoyable and beneficial experience that exercises cognitive faculties in a stimulating and engaging way.
“Pandemic”
"Pandemic" is a cooperative board game that thrusts players into a scenario where they must work together to combat and control deadly disease outbreaks across the globe. Beyond its captivating premise, the game offers a rich environment for adults, including those with ADHD, to cultivate teamwork, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
The game tasks players with making pivotal decisions that impact the direction of the game. Every choice—such as allocating resources, determining travel routes, and containing outbreaks—requires careful strategic planning and analysis of potential consequences.
Skills Addressed
Cooperative Gameplay
Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
Problem-Solving Under Pressure
Adaptability and Flexibility
Effective Communication and Coordination
Long-Term Planning and Risk Assessment
"Pandemic" is an immersive experience that fosters teamwork, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills in the face of global challenges. By working together against a common threat, players, including those with ADHD, have the opportunity to harness their strengths, refine their abilities, and develop a greater appreciation for collaborative problem-solving. Through the collaborative journey of disease containment, "Pandemic" provides an engaging and valuable platform for enhancing cognitive and social skills in an entertaining and meaningful way.
Video games, apps, and board games can offer valuable benefits for individuals with ADHD by engaging cognitive functions, improving focus, and enhancing problem-solving skills. However, it's important to use these tools in moderation and as part of a comprehensive ADHD management plan. Always consult with healthcare professionals when considering such interventions.
