Topic 3: Online and Computer Games

(Source: "Whyte and Lavan play the first level of their autism social skills game" by Penn State, used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Online games or computer software in your collection can help your children and teens with autism because, as Lesley Farmer explains (2014), technology "can be highly structured with discrete stimuli or activities, it involves kinesthetics, it accepts nonverbal responses, it usually does not require high social skills, it can be used predictably and repetitively, and it facilitates creative expression. Computer technology also extends children's attention span" (p. 57). Games offer "interactive features that enable youth with ASDs to experience social reciprocity without risking human rejection. Moreover, they can play the games repeatedly, and the computer remains supportive and patient" (Farmer, 2014, p. 58). Consider providing these opportunities for your patrons with autism!

Websites can be digitally bookmarked or included as links in an autism resource list for easy access while visiting the library (or from home). In addition, "serious games" and online games to help users with autism to improve their skills can become part of the collection. Research has supported claims that serious games designed to teach social skills, especially emotion-recognition, are effective in children, teens, and adults with autism. Below are a few examples of computer-assisted learning games for users with autism:

• http://www.autismgames.com.au : a website that streams games for children with autism to learn about eye contact, dealing with change, listening to directions, and identifying emotions.
• Jestimule, Emotiplay, and other a serious games software: visit DAE Research's list of evidence-based games for people with autism: http://www.ebgd.be/tag/autism/

Also, any online, interactive, high-quality learning game and site that presents content using repetition and a variety of methods of representation (i.e. music, video, interactive components, visuals, etc.) will be useful to help children with autism to learn any desired content, following the principles of Universal Design. You can learn more about Universal Design in Module 3 of Project ENABLE.