to many video games?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2003
to many video games?
5
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 4:35pm
My 6 year old, who was diagnosed two years ago with autism, has developed a habit that i can't seem to change. He has discovered video games. I cannot seem to get him away from the games, I know that kids with autism develop routines, and seem to have a one track mind. He used to one we could never get away from his tv. We used to have the hardest time getting him from outside playing. That was last year. This year, he is all video games. He has not gone out at all. And at the end of the night, when it's time to shut the games off, he cries. I have talked to his therapist, and physciatrist about the situation, and of course they say he's gonna do that, because they develop into habits. and you can't get them out of the habit. But i think he's way to demanding for the games. And what's worse is i have my grandmother down my back saying he's playing to much, well i know that, but i haven't found a solution to the problem yet. Anyone out there have a similar problem, or a solution, besides throwing the games out completely.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 5:23pm

I have a almost 8 yr old son who would be that way about his video games, but we have very strict limit on all "screens", which we have nicknamed anything where he stares at a screen --- TV, gameboy, Playstation 2, computer games, Nintendo, etc. He has a 2 hour limit per day maximum of screens, and he must manage his time. If he yells or cries when it's time to turn off screens, he runs the risk of losing his time for screens the next day, and if particularly bad in any way, he rund chance of losing for the week. And we have done it, too.

Screens is a privilege here, and actually he has made a contract with us to keep on all hs goals in exchange for keeping his privileges. Every once in a while, we will let him earn a bit more screen time for good behavior.

Also, if he plays interactive screen games with hid dad or friends, where he needs to competes against and/or strategizes with a partner during the game, we are a little more lenient.

This is what has worked for us. We know the computer games etc. is a way for him to relax and get some downtime from the stress of sensory overlaod and challenging interactions, so we don't want to take all of them away completely. Our son lvoes his games, but if he uses all his time up first thing in the morning, then he has to find other amusements later in the day!

yours,

Sara
ilovemalcolm

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2005
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 7:51pm

We have encountered similar problems with computer games. CJ would play all day if we let him.

At the beginning of the school year (CJ is 8.5), we set the rule that computer games are only for weekends. But he has to get his chores done first. He makes his bed, has breakfast and goes to the bathroom. If he sits at the computer before he has used the bathroom, he is likely to have a soiling accident. I found myself getting really angry about it, so we made the bathroom rule. It helped ALL of us.

We had a long talk about the computer time and once we established it as a "rule" CJ was fine. On occasion, we have been a little flexabile, but he has to earn it. For example, fewer meltdowns, showing more control, not getting a warning at school, etc.

I dont know if this helps, but we are right there with you.

Crystal

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2003
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 11:05pm
I've tried giving limits. During the week, he gets home at 4, he can play an hour til dinner. then he can't go back on until 7. then he's off at 8:30. He doesn't understand time, so i got to go inforce it. He doesn't understand why he can't keep playing. I tell him the games need to get some sleep, he buys it, but with hesitation. I just feel he's playing way to much.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-24-2004
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 7:56pm

It's hard to tell from your note if your son can comprehend schedules or delayed reinforcement. If he can, you might try using something like the following:

1) A schedule that you cross off for time spent playing video games. Set a timer and when it rings, your DS has 2 mins or some length of time to stop the game he is playing. Allow him to save the game and come back at a predetermined time. These schedules usually have to be pretty concrete and well connected to the thing you want to limit.

2) Put him on a reward system in which he earns videogame time in 1/2 hour increments for doing certain things. Use a similar withdrawal schedule from the games when his time is up.

3) You may have to work on withdrawing him from the games over a period of months, as you help him adjust to a regular "stop the game" ritual. We had to do this with my son and books, and it took about 3-4 mos before he adapted to this kind of transition. He now has few breakdowns about stopping his book time, which is a major obsession for him.

Also, have you ever tried SSRI meds (antidepressants) with him? These are supposed to reduce obsessive behavior and are given to many kids with ASD's.

Suzi

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2003
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 9:08pm
The dr's won't put him on to many meds, because alot of them cause seizures, another one of his problems, So he's kinda limited to what he can take. I've actually tried getting the doc to put him on an antidepressant, but they claim the lamictal he's on for the seizures is a form of an antidepressant. So i don't know what other options there are. Thanks for the advice though.