Autism and video games
My 16 year old daughter, Erin, is obsessed with video games, particularly the Sims pets computer game. I cannot get her to do anything else and she gets the games mixed up with what's real. She is constantly laughing at the characters in the game and telling me funny things that they have done. When I take the video games privileges away as consequences she becomews absolutely miserable and lashes out at me. Should I be concerned about how much time she spends playing these games. I moniter her game time to make sure the content is appropriate, but she would play for hours at a time if I let her.
Thanks, Diane
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I am not a doctor--just a
I am not a doctor--just a parent of young adult children that also have disabilities. My main concern would be the trouble your daughter has separating the SIMS life from reality. I also think it is her way of having a social life since that may be difficult for her. Is there a way to use the game as a reward for completion of chores, homework, or other non-computer activities? I would limit it and try to find other social-type activities that build from her strengths. Is she good at art? She could join an art club/class. If she's good at computers, maybe she could join a computer club, etc.
Also, KPFC has a social club for teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome. The teenagers and their parent/s meet monthly with the Social Club coordinator to attend social activities. it is just a chance for these teenagers to have a little bit of a social life. If you are interested, then please feel free to contact me at cwcecil@kypartnership.net.