Comments on: Autism and Online Role Playing Games http://drchris.teachtown.com/2008/04/01/autism-and-online-role-playing-games/ Thoughts, commentary, and analysis on computer-assisted instruction and Autism Spectrum Disorders Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:38:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: Chris Jenkins http://drchris.teachtown.com/2008/04/01/autism-and-online-role-playing-games/#comment-43910 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:22:19 +0000 http://drchris.teachtown.com/2008/04/01/autism-and-online-role-playing-games/#comment-43910 I also agree that branding Sims as an intervention for autism is not suitable. Sims has very little, if any, educational value. It’s very easy to become addicted to these tiypes of games and those with autism are especially prone to being addicted, so definitely shouldn’t play it. Although there haven’t been formal empirical studies involving those with autism playing these role playing games, several experts in the field have voiced their opinions against it. As those who have parented or worked with people on the autism spectrum know, computer games like sims not only don’t teach social interaction, but are considered harmful in the long run to effectively getting along with people. Role playing games like Sims show an unrealistic idea of what life is like and don’t teach any social situations (at least not appropriately). I’ve taught middle and high school students with autism for over 15 years. Their maturity level and developmental age is usually 2/3 of their chronological age. This means an 18 year old would be like emotionally like a 12 yr. old. The Sims games (with people) are rated ‘teen.’ Ask any parent of a teen with autism and you’ll find out why a game like this would be detrimental to their development. There are so many software programs out there that do teach socially skills appropriately (Social Skills Builder for one has dozens), so why not try one of those instead? I also agree that branding Sims as an intervention for autism is not suitable. Sims has very little, if any, educational value. It’s very easy to become addicted to these tiypes of games and those with autism are especially prone to being addicted, so definitely shouldn’t play it. Although there haven’t been formal empirical studies involving those with autism playing these role playing games, several experts in the field have voiced their opinions against it. As those who have parented or worked with people on the autism spectrum know, computer games like sims not only don’t teach social interaction, but are considered harmful in the long run to effectively getting along with people. Role playing games like Sims show an unrealistic idea of what life is like and don’t teach any social situations (at least not appropriately).

I’ve taught middle and high school students with autism for over 15 years. Their maturity level and developmental age is usually 2/3 of their chronological age. This means an 18 year old would be like emotionally like a 12 yr. old. The Sims games (with people) are rated ‘teen.’ Ask any parent of a teen with autism and you’ll find out why a game like this would be detrimental to their development.

There are so many software programs out there that do teach socially skills appropriately (Social Skills Builder for one has dozens), so why not try one of those instead?

]]> by: Dick Dalton http://drchris.teachtown.com/2008/04/01/autism-and-online-role-playing-games/#comment-32874 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:37:24 +0000 http://drchris.teachtown.com/2008/04/01/autism-and-online-role-playing-games/#comment-32874 I've played Sims and I believe it has some educational value as far as relationship education, but of course there's no research on that. The power of second life is in the social networking that takes place within different communities. It's the open nature of it that makes it so powerful and appealing, as there are millions of other people to interact with. Yeah, there are griefers which can spoil the party but that occurs in real life, too. At least in the virtual world they can work together on dealing with miscreants and try out different methods in different virtual settings. Making it more restrictive would make it safer but would limit the social opportunities, which I think makes the price too steep. I agree, branding it as an intervention for autism is going a bit far. It can be a game and an educational tool for learning new skills, but it is mostly 3D social networking. D. I’ve played Sims and I believe it has some educational value as far as relationship education, but of course there’s no research on that.

The power of second life is in the social networking that takes place within different communities. It’s the open nature of it that makes it so powerful and appealing, as there are millions of other people to interact with. Yeah, there are griefers which can spoil the party but that occurs in real life, too. At least in the virtual world they can work together on dealing with miscreants and try out different methods in different virtual settings. Making it more restrictive would make it safer but would limit the social opportunities, which I think makes the price too steep.

I agree, branding it as an intervention for autism is going a bit far. It can be a game and an educational tool for learning new skills, but it is mostly 3D social networking.

D.

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