Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges, including heightened levels of anxiety and stress in children. Recent research by Carlier et al. (2020) explores the potential of serious games to alleviate these issues. Their study, titled Empowering Children with ASD and Their Parents: Design of a Serious Game for Anxiety and Stress Reduction †, provides valuable insights for practitioners seeking innovative solutions.
Serious games are digital games designed for purposes beyond mere entertainment, such as education and behavioral change. The New Horizon game, developed in this study, integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques and relaxation exercises to help children with ASD manage their anxiety and stress.
Key components of the New Horizon game include:
- Memory Mini-Game: A sequence replication game that challenges memory and focus.
- Platformer Mini-Game: An obstacle navigation game that enhances problem-solving skills.
- Senses Mini-Game: Utilizes guided imagery to create a calming environment through bubble-popping activities.
- Breathing Mini-Game: Teaches diaphragmatic breathing techniques to help children manage their stress.
Additionally, the SpaceControl app empowers parents by providing insights into their child’s gaming behavior and emotional states. By tracking mood and game interactions, parents can better understand and support their child's emotional well-being.
The study's preliminary results indicate that serious games like New Horizon can be effective tools for reducing anxiety and stress in children with ASD. However, the researchers emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving therapists, parents, and the children themselves, to optimize the game's design and effectiveness.
Practitioners are encouraged to explore serious games as a therapeutic tool and consider the following implementation strategies:
- Incorporate serious games into regular therapy sessions to provide a safe, controlled environment for practicing relaxation techniques.
- Encourage parents to use supportive applications like SpaceControl to monitor and understand their child’s emotional states.
- Regularly assess the game's impact on the child's anxiety and stress levels, adjusting the approach as needed.
For more detailed insights and to read the original research paper, please follow this link: Empowering Children with ASD and Their Parents: Design of a Serious Game for Anxiety and Stress Reduction †.
