ADHD and games: fun and therapeutic benefits in one
Enjoyable games are especially important for the well-being of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can provide a true refuge in the often chaotic, overwhelming daily lives of those affected by ADHD. They are social and educational activities that can also help alleviate ADHD symptoms.
ADHD-specific challenges in game selection
Choosing suitable toys and games for children with ADHD can be difficult. On the one hand, there are an overwhelming number of options, and on the other, the children's age and individual interests need to be taken into account. However, appropriate board games, card games, and skill games can significantly help ADHD children focus their attention — and experience themselves as accepted and a "valuable part of the group" in social interactions.
It's often a balancing act with ADHD: On the one hand, complete sensory overload and overstimulation should be avoided, but on the other, some traditional games are equally unsuitable for non-neurotypical children. Their brains need more stimulation and variety to remain consistently engaged (a "take your time slowly" approach can become a real ordeal...).
Important aspects for the purchase decision
When choosing toys for children with ADHD, the following aspects should be considered:
1. Game mechanics: Games that require focused attention and physical interaction are particularly suitable.
2. Visual and auditory stimuli: Simple graphics and minimal background noise are preferable to minimize distractions.
3. Clear objectives: Clear objectives and instructions support children’s motivation and focus.
4. Gaming sessions: Short, intensive gaming periods are ideal to avoid fatigue or loss of concentration.
5. Customization options: Games that can be customized offer children a customized experience.
By understanding the specific needs of children with ADHD, parents can find games that are both educational and entertaining for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
Recommended games for ADHD children
Preschool age
| Game | Educational background |
|---|---|
| Memory | Visual memory training, speed |
| Well, I think that's where the shoe lies (Ravensburger) | Visual memory training, coordination |
| Dallifant (Ravensburger) | Visual memory training |
| Packing your suitcase (Ravensburger) | Increase in memory span |
| Puzzles | Concentration, spatial thinking |
| Blind Man's Bluff (Ravensburger) | Tactile perception exercise |
| Look Closely (Ravensburger) | Concentration, visual detail perception |
| Differix (Ravensburger) | Ditto |
| Card Clapping (Ravensburger) | Visual memory training, spatial thinking, speed, strength dosage and coordination |
Primary school age
| Game | Educational background |
|---|---|
| Halli Galli (Amigo) | Visual quantity detection, force dosage, concentration |
| Bingo (Ravensburger) | Visual memory, 1x1 training |
| Hangman (MB) | word play |
| Twister (MB) | Coordination, spatial thinking, right-left, social behavior, movement |
| Tyrolean Roulette | Mental arithmetic, force dosage |
| Triominos (Goliath) | Visual training, spatial thinking, number combinations |
| Trio Domino (Noris) | Ditto, colors and quantities |
| Mouse-smart and bear-strong (Schmid Spiele) | Exercise, reading training |
| Mouse-smart and bear-strong (Schmid Spiele) fit and clever | Ditto |
| Disc Mikado | Fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, mental arithmetic |
| Cathedral (wooden island) | Simultaneous quantity perception, social behavior |
| Speed (Adlung) | Coordination of quantities, colors, and shapes, concentration, speed |
| DOTS (Adlung) | Visual quantity recognition, number combinations |
| Monster Hunt (Adlung) | Visual coordination and combination |
| Carcassonne (Hans im Glück) Landscape/Hunters and Gatherers | spatial thinking |
| The Crazy Labyrinth (Ravensburger) | Board game/card game, spatial thinking, strategy development |
| The Tower of Babel (Ravensburger) | Ditto |
| Connect Four (MB) | Concentration, strategy development |
| Letra Mix (Schmid Spiele) | Word formation |
| Mastermind/Superbrain (Parker) | Strategy, concentration |
| Jenga tower | Fine motor skills, force dosage, eye-hand coordination, concentration |
Video games and ADHD: risk of addiction clearly high
Several studies have examined the relationship between ADHD and video game use in children and adolescents . They also found that children with ADHD exhibit a higher tendency toward addictive gaming behavior. Furthermore, a clear correlation has been established between the severity of ADHD symptoms and excessive video game use. In particular, children with severe ADHD symptoms show significantly higher scores compared to children without this diagnosis.
One reason is obvious: The brains of children with ADHD are chronically understimulated (too little dopamine in the frontal regions of the brain). Video games, especially app games designed for quick rewards and "items," provide these stimuli (> dopamine is released ) – and the child's brain quickly adapts to this simple, satisfying cycle.
...and on the other hand even therapeutic benefits are possible
Conversely, good video games have also been proven to promote spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills—thus, they also have educational benefits. In the US, doctors even use special video games as a therapeutic approach for ADHD. " EndeavorRX " is available with a prescription for children ages eight to twelve. Sensory stimuli and motor tasks are used to stimulate neural systems. The goal is to teach the child to concentrate. For example, they navigate a vehicle through a river and must collect blue dots. – while red monsters appear to distract it.
The conclusion for parents: Gaming with a very clearly defined time limit is okay even with ADHD, especially if the games are not designed for quick reactions and "shooting," but require strategy and patience (for example, "Minecraft").
Tips for dealing with screens and games
- After learning, the screen should be turned off for at least 30 minutes. Otherwise, the information may not be properly stored.
- Take full responsibility for the games your child plays and for how long they play.
- Depending on the age, the child should not play for more than 30-60 minutes per day, and this should only be done after starting school (this applies to TV, DVD, Internet and games in general).
- Decide on the content of the games yourself and don't blindly rely on age ratings. These aren't set by an ethics committee, but by the game developers themselves.
- Prefer video games where children can level up or score points by thinking rather than just by quick reactions, such as strategy games, simulators or puzzle games.
- Occasionally accompany your child while playing.
- It's good to trust your child, but when it comes to ADHD and gaming, control is definitely better. Check which games and apps are installed on your child's PC or phone.
- Real-life play is crucial for your child's development . Allow them to play with other children in the real world, not just the virtual one.
- Trust your instincts and stay consistent!