Teens on the spectrum more susceptible to video game addiction

Posted by Discover Seven Stars on December 28th, 2018

A modern-day psychological disorder, video game addiction is on the rise all over the globe, and although some medical professionals are lobbying to have it labeled as a mental disorder, the American Psychiatric Association declined to do so. It is a condition characterized by excessive game playing that’s detrimental to an individual’s everyday life, meaning things like socializing, sleeping, and even eating, are out of whack.

Why are teens on the spectrum more susceptible?

According to a number of research studies, teens with autism, in addition to spending more time playing video games, are more likely to develop a video game addiction for a number of reasons specific to the disorder they have. Predictability, no need for social face-to-face interaction, and visual engagement are all characteristics of video games that make autistic kids spend more time glued to their screens. Video games also provide autistic teens with repetition, consistency, and security. However, playing video games is also known to bring some positive things, like building up self-esteem by mastering the game.

What to do if your teen is addicted to video games

If you think your teen may suffer from video game addiction, resolving it may prove difficult, but as with anything, consistency is key. Some of the things you can do to help him break the habit, include:

• Encourage your teen to get involved in a support group where not only will he meet other teens with the same problem, but possibly other autistic teens battling with the same issue. It will also be a safe place to discuss his feelings.
• Regular therapy sessions may prove helpful for your teen in learning new and improving upon existing social skills.
• A good night’s sleep and a healthy diet are of the utmost importance. Healthy, balanced meals, going to bed at the same time, and waking up at the same time every day will aid your teen tremendously by providing him stability and predictability.
• If reasoning and negotiation don’t work, you will need to take the computer out of his bedroom and limit his access to video games on other devices. This action will most likely be met with resistance, but do not step back.

Seven Stars is here for your family

Seven Stars is a program that combines residential treatment with adventure therapy to create a multifaceted, effective program for adolescents, ages 13 to 18, struggling with emotional and behavioral issues as a result of their neurodevelopmental disorder.

We embed the objectives we have for each student into daily activities and teach emotional wellness skills such as conflict resolution, problem-solving, social skills, academic skills, self-efficacy, and prosocial behaviors. At Seven Stars, we strive to help our students develop the skills necessary to live full, productive lives.

For more information about how Seven Stars can help your teen with video game addiction, contact us today at 844-601-1167.

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