Dr. David Metzner

In most cases, video games are seen in a negative light by many when it comes to the length of time kids spend playing these games. However, in some cases, certain computer games can actually help lessen the severity of ADD and ADHD in kids. Parents, doctors, psychologists, and educators have a selection of new games that are now available that that can be used to help children and adults learn to resist their ADD and ADHD tendencies and pay better attention.

The games work to strengthen the connections within the brain and to help individuals learn stay focused and avoid distractions as they work through the tasks presented to them. Using this technique to develop an individual’s concentration is far from something new. Therapists have utilized various technologies to help improve learning, memory, focus, and concentration for many years.

Some of these games originated with big name companies and institutions such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). They used these systems and new technology in order to record and observe the brain waves of their people as they worked in the flight modules and simulators. Nowadays, experts are discovering new ways that computer programs can help train the mind, and companies are producing software that is tailored and specially set up for home users.

The experts are in agreement that the specially designed computer games are just a tool that can be used to teach a child and help teach new skills and behaviors. They simply help kids discover better ways to pay attention and avoid distractions, they are not meant as a long term treatment for ADD and ADHD. Medication combined with behavior therapy is the most successful and widely recommended way for improving the many symptoms associated with behavioral and attention span disorders.

An individual can use these computer games to build confidence, improve reaction time, and lessen the severity of a variety of attention related disorders. Someone simply has to choose the game he or she wants to play and what their needs are: whether it is controlling impulsive tendencies, improving reasoning, and building communication skills. Once the patient has selected the game and entered in the specific preferences, the game will appear on the screen. Many games can be used to improve ADD and ADHD through a number of activities.

A child might be asked to match cards or images from memory or select images that relate to each other based on a certain set of criteria. The speed and duration of the games are assorted and can be customized for specific needs and requirements. Some people do better with lots of short sessions and someone else may be better with a long session. Many of the games can also be programmed with visual and audio additives that serve as distractions to make it more of a challenge and make is more enjoyable. The game will then advance to the next level once the individual has successfully completed the previous one.

These sorts of games are useful for people who have attention issues or trouble focusing, whether it is from a mental or behavioral disorder or the result of brain trauma and injury. These games have been around for many years and more are continuing to be developed as new advances in therapy and psychology are being implemented. Who know what the future hold and what new methods can be used to help those who suffer from ADD, ADHD, and a host of other mental disorders. Time will tell and the next generation will have to continue the work that is being done today.

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pennstatelive/15166168980