Treating your child with ADHD with video games? Let's learn about this new method! (ADHD Video Game & VR Therapy)

Many children with ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) love video games , computers, and phones, right? It may be because it helps them keep their minds focused. So, now you might be surprised to hear that video games and the latest technology called Virtual Reality (VR) are being used as a treatment for children with ADHD . This is truly a big step forward in medical science.

But this does not mean that you should stop taking medication or psychotherapy . This is just another good option that can be used in addition to those treatments to improve your child's attention and concentration. Let's see what these new methods are.

A video game made specifically for ADHD?

Researchers have been looking for years at whether video games and VR technology can help children with ADHD. As a result, in 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) approved the first video game specifically designed for ADHD. It's called EndeavorRx .

Imagine your child playing this game on their phone or iPad. In it, their character runs through obstacles, chases strange creatures, and creates their own world. To do these things successfully, they need to pay close attention , multitask , and avoid distractions . It's like a brain workout.

Another special feature of the game is that the difficulty level of the game automatically changes according to the child's skill. This keeps the child constantly challenged. The visuals, sounds, and movements in this game are designed to target the parts of the brain that are involved in attention.

Is this method effective? Are there any side effects?

Research has shown that this method is effective. In one study, 206 children used the game for four weeks. The results showed that the scores on a test that measures attention increased significantly, whether they took the medication or not. In addition, most parents and children reported that their children's attention had improved.

The game is designed to be a bit difficult and repetitive, so it can be frustrating at times. But that challenge is what helps train attention span.

Can Virtual Reality (VR) Treat ADHD?

Virtual Reality (VR) is like a video game coming to life. Imagine, when you wear a headset or other device, you see the world in the game all around you. You can interact with that world using hand-held controllers and your body movements.

Research has found that VR technology can be used to diagnose ADHD, as well as to train skills like memory and concentration.

Previously, VR technology was only used to help children practice their behavior in a safe environment, like a virtual classroom. But now companies like XRHealth are introducing VR treatments specifically for ADHD. Like EndeavorRx, this is something that should be used alongside regular treatment.

Another unique feature of this is that it tracks the child's eye movements and provides that information to the child's therapist. The therapist can then adjust the difficulty level of the tasks as needed to keep the child engaged. This helps to improve the child's attention, organization, and planning skills, while also helping to reduce impulsive behavior.

Important note

Although these treatments are the latest in technology, they are currently limited to countries like America . Therefore, it will take a while for us in Sri Lanka to get these. But it is important to be aware of this. Because in the future, such treatments may also come to our country.