A systematic review of problematic video-game use in people with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background: In recent years, an increasing number of studies documented potential links between gaming disorders (GD; including digital-gaming or video-gaming) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize current research about problematic video game (PVG) use in people with ASD and identify specific factors associated with problematic video gaming behavior. Method: We searched for articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost electronic databases; using a combination of expressions including autism spectrum disorder OR autism OR ASD AND video games OR gaming disorder OR Internet Gaming Disorder OR game addiction. Results: Twelve articles were included in this systematic review. The majority of them indicate that children, adolescents and adults with ASD may be at greater risk of PVG use than youths without ASD. Findings also suggested that several internal (sex, attention and oppositional behavior problems) and external factors (social aspects, access and time spent playing video, parental rules, and game genre) were significant predictors of problematic video game use in people with ASD. In addition, this review highlights the paucity of the literature on the consequences and individual effects of excessive video gaming in people with ASD. Conclusions: We discuss unanswered questions and future directions and provide recommendations for improving clinicians and parents' engagement in the prevention and management of problematic video game use in people with ASD.

Automated summary

The systematic review found that individuals with ASD, including children, adolescents, and adults, are more likely to exhibit problematic video game use, with internal factors such as gender, attention, and oppositional behavior problems, as well as external factors like social aspects, access and time spent playing video games, parental rules, and game genre being significant predictors. The review also highlights the lack of literature on the consequences and individual effects of excessive video gaming in individuals with ASD.