Introduction

As a gamer and a parent, I often hear negative opinions and myths about electronic gaming, or video gaming, from other parents, teachers, and media. They think that electronic gaming is addictive, violent, antisocial, and harmful to the physical and mental health of kids, especially neurodivergent kids, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They also think that electronic gaming is a waste of time and a distraction from more important and productive activities, such as school, sports, or hobbies. However, I disagree with these views, and I want to share with you why electronic gaming is not as bad as you think, and how it can actually benefit neurodivergent kids in many ways. In this blog post, I will debunk some of the common myths about electronic gaming, and I will also share my own experience as a dad who is a gamer and has an autistic PDA child.

Myth 1: Electronic gaming is addictive and harmful

One of the most prevalent myths about electronic gaming is that it is addictive and harmful to the health and well-being of kids. This myth is based on the assumption that electronic gaming is a mindless and passive activity that consumes a lot of time and energy, and that kids are unable to control or stop their gaming behaviour. However, this is not supported by scientific research or by my own observation.

According to the American Psychological Association, electronic gaming can have positive effects on cognitive, emotional, social, and motivational processes, such as enhancing attention, memory, problem-solving, creativity, empathy, and mood. Electronic gaming can also provide a source of relaxation, enjoyment, and social connection for many kids, including my own. While some kids may experience excessive or problematic gaming behaviours, this is not the norm and does not necessarily indicate an addiction. Electronic gaming addiction is not a universally recognised mental disorder by the World Health Organization or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Although it is included in the ICD-11 and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) consider it worthy of further study.

As a gamer and a parent, I can attest that electronic gaming is not addictive or harmful, if it is done in moderation and balance with other aspects of life. I have been playing electronic games since I was a child, and I still play them as an adult, but I also have a fulfilling career, a healthy lifestyle, and a loving family. I monitor, but not limit, screen time for my neurodivergent son. I also play games with them, and I enjoy the bonding and learning opportunities that electronic gaming offers.

Myth 2: Electronic gaming is violent and antisocial

Another common myth about electronic gaming is that it is violent and antisocial, and that it can cause aggression and isolation in kids. This myth is based on the assumption that electronic games are mostly about killing, fighting, and destroying, and that kids are detached from reality and from other people. However, this is also not supported by scientific research or by my own experience.

According to the Entertainment Software Association, most electronic games are not violent, and only 18% of games sold in 2019 were rated Mature by the ESRB. Moreover, electronic gaming can foster prosocial behaviours, such as cooperation, communication, and altruism, especially in multiplayer and online games. Electronic gaming can also enhance social skills, such as empathy, perspective-taking, and conflict resolution, as kids interact with diverse characters and scenarios. Electronic gaming can also create a sense of community and belonging among gamers, as they share their experiences, opinions, and passions with others.

As a gamer and a parent, I can attest that there are lots of opportunities within electronic gaming that are not violent or antisocial. I have played many different types of games, from action to adventure, from puzzle to simulation, and I have never felt any urge to harm anyone or anything in real life. I have also met many wonderful people through electronic gaming, both online and offline, and I have made lasting friendships and connections. I also teach my kids to be respectful and responsible gamers, and I guide them on how to choose appropriate games, how to deal with online etiquette and safety.

How electronic gaming can benefit neurodivergent kids

Apart from debunking the myths about electronic gaming, I also want to share with you how electronic gaming can benefit neurodivergent kids, such as those with ASD, ADHD, or PDA. Neurodivergent kids have different neurological wiring and processing than neurotypical kids, and they may face challenges in social, academic, or professional settings that are not designed to accommodate their needs and strengths. Neurodivergent kids may also experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or isolation due to stigma, discrimination, or lack of support. Many struggle with being in face to face groups or in the places that kids often like to hang out as the noise and sensory input can be overwhelming.

Electronic gaming can provide neurodivergent kids with a safe and enjoyable outlet to engage in dopamine-releasing activities that can boost their mood, confidence, and motivation. Dopamine is especially important for neurodivergent kids, as they may have lower levels of dopamine or impaired dopamine signalling in their brains, which can affect their executive functions, such as planning, organizing, prioritizing, and focusing. Electronic gaming can help neurodivergent kids regulate their dopamine levels and improve their executive functions, as they can set and achieve goals, manage their time and resources, and overcome challenges in the games. Electronic gaming can also help neurodivergent kids develop their social skills, communication skills, and empathy, as they can interact with other gamers, form friendships, and collaborate on projects. Electronic gaming can also help neurodivergent kids express their creativity, individuality, and identity, as they can design and customize their own avatars, worlds, and stories. Electronic gaming can also help neurodivergent kids learn and explore new topics, skills, and perspectives, as they can access a wide range of educational and cultural content in the games.

Therefore, electronic gaming is not only a fun and rewarding activity, but also a therapeutic and empowering one for neurodivergent kids, as it can enhance their well-being and potential. Electronic gaming can also foster a more inclusive and diverse society, as it can increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of neurodiversity. As a gamer myself, I can attest to the positive effects of electronic gaming on my life, and I encourage parents of neurodivergent kids to try it out and enjoy gaming alongside their kids. Electronic gaming is a great way to celebrate and embrace our differences and similarities, and to connect with ourselves and others.

My experience as a dad of an autistic PDA child

Another aspect of neurodiversity that can be related to electronic gaming is pathological demand avoidance (PDA), which is a profile of autism that is characterized by an extreme aversion to demands, expectations, or obligations. People with PDA may resist or avoid anything that they perceive as being imposed on them, such as rules, instructions, routines, or tasks. They may also use various strategies to escape or control the situation, such as lying, manipulating, distracting, or withdrawing. People with PDA may have difficulty coping with everyday life and social interactions, and they may experience high levels of anxiety and stress.

Electronic gaming can offer people with PDA a way to cope and reduce their anxiety and stress levels. Electronic gaming can provide people with PDA with a sense of autonomy and choice, as they can decide what, when, where, and how to play. They can also choose the level of difficulty, challenge, and complexity that suits them, and they can change it according to their mood and preference. Electronic gaming can also provide people with PDA with a sense of fun and enjoyment, as they can engage in activities that are stimulating, rewarding, and entertaining. They can also seek dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is involved in pleasure, reward, and motivation, and that may be deficient or dysregulated in people with PDA. Electronic gaming can help people with PDA increase their dopamine levels and feel more satisfied and motivated. Electronic gaming can also provide people with PDA with a sense of escapism and immersion, as they can enter a virtual world that is free from the demands and pressures of the real world. They can also explore different scenarios, identities, and roles that may appeal to their imagination and creativity.

Electronic gaming can also help people with PDA develop their skills and abilities, such as problem-solving, decision-making, planning, and collaboration, that may be useful for their personal and professional growth. Electronic gaming can also help people with PDA connect with other gamers who share their interests and passions, and who may understand and accept their differences. Electronic gaming can also help people with PDA express themselves, communicate their needs and feelings, and assert their boundaries in a safe and comfortable environment.

As a dad of an autistic PDA child, I can attest to the positive effects of electronic gaming on my child’s life, and I support his gaming passion and hobby. My child loves playing electronic games, especially open-world, sandbox, and creative games, such as GTA5, Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox. These games allow him to create and customize his own characters, buildings, vehicles, and scenarios, and to play with other gamers online. These games also give him a sense of freedom, fun, and fulfilment, and they help him cope with his anxiety and stress. These games also help him develop his cognitive, social, and emotional skills, and they expose him to new topics, skills, and perspectives. Through gaming he has made friends across the globe and has begun learning about different countries, cultures, and global time zones amongst other things. The games have helped him learn to read, do math, understand business aspects, and planning.

These games have helped him express his personality, identity, and creativity, and they make him happy and proud. I often play games with him, and I enjoy the quality time and the learning opportunities that we share. I also respect his gaming choices and preferences, and I help him balance his gaming and other aspects of his life. I also protect him from online risks and dangers, and I teach him how to be a respectful and responsible gamer. I also celebrate his achievements and successes, and I encourage him to pursue his dreams and goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electronic gaming is not a waste of time or a harmful activity, but rather a beneficial and enjoyable one, as long as it is done in moderation and with respect. Electronic gaming can have positive effects on kids’ mental, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being, and it can also enrich their cultural and creative horizons. Electronic gaming can also benefit neurodivergent kids, such as those with ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, or PDA, as it can help them cope with the challenges they face, enhance their potential, and embrace their diversity. Electronic gaming is a diverse and dynamic phenomenon that deserves recognition and appreciation, and I hope that you will join me and millions of others in celebrating and enjoying it. Thank you for reading this blog post, and happy gaming!