Should People with Autism or Asperger’s Play Video Games to Cope with Sensory Overload?

Should People with Autism or Asperger's Play Video Games to Cope with Sensory Overload?

For individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Asperger’s Syndrome, coping with sensory overload can be a challenging task. However, video games offer a unique set of tools and experiences that can be beneficial. Some argue that video games can exacerbate sensory overload while others find them to be an invaluable coping mechanism. This article explores the benefits and challenges of using video games for those with ASD and Asperger’s Syndrome facing sensory overload.

The Challenges: Gaming and Sensory Overload

Many individuals with ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome find certain video games to be overwhelming and even triggering. Games with bright colors, loud sounds, and fast-moving visuals can induce headaches, nausea, and other physical discomforts. For some, prolonged engagement in such games can result in severe symptoms like vomiting or a complete loss of appetite and sleep.

One individual, reflecting on their personal experience, shared, 'If I ignore those symptoms and continue to play them, I have gotten to the point of vomiting. If my coordination is not good enough to complete certain tasks, it frustrates me to the point of stimming. I then can't get over it and obsess to the point of not eating or sleeping.'

Self-Correction and Natural Safety Mechanisms

Despite these potential negatives, many argue that video games have a natural self-correcting mechanism for those experiencing overstimulation. If a person with ASD or Asperger’s finds a game too overwhelming, they will instinctively stop playing. Dave Thompson, a notable figure in the autism community, has stated, 'If you didn’t like a movie, video game, or book, you’d stop watching, playing, or reading. It’s actually pretty simple.'

According to Thompson, this innate ability to self-regulate indicates that games that cause sensory overload are rarely played for extended periods. This natural mechanism suggests that if a gamer feels uncomfortable, they'll stop participating, making the games a safer and more controlled environment.

Using Gaming as a Coping Mechanism

For many individuals with ASD or Asperger’s, video games serve as a calming and therapeutic tool. They provide a structured and safe environment that allows for controlled sensory input. Some users find that gaming helps regulate their emotions and reduce stress. A user with Asperger’s Syndrome shared, 'I tend to get on the Xbox a lot whenever things are getting too much for me. It’s calming for me. So anyone who says not to to me is wrong. I know myself and I know what helps me cope.'

Furthermore, gaming can act as an anger management tool, providing a healthy outlet for frustrations. While it’s important to ensure a secure and stable gaming environment, structured games can effectively serve as a form of stress testing and mental regulation.

Conclusion

While video games can certainly be a source of sensory overload for individuals with ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome, they also offer numerous benefits as coping mechanisms. The key lies in finding a balance where gaming can provide relief from stress without exacerbating sensory issues. Whether you find gaming beneficial or not, it’s crucial to practice self-awareness and listen to your body's signals to ensure that it remains a positive and constructive activity.

Key Points:

Sensory overload can cause physical discomfort and affect daily routines. Video games often have natural self-correcting mechanisms that prevent extended overstimulation. Gaming can be a calming and therapeutic activity for managing stress and emotions. Balancing gaming activities ensures that they remain a constructive outlet for individuals with ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome.