<p>We’ve had several discussions/threads here about video game addiction. I ran across this today and thought it might be of interest. </p>
<p>A quote from the article: “People who spend hours and hours playing video games exhibit the same personality traits as people with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. The new research fuels concerns that video games could further alienate an already isolated group of people and increase mental health problems like depression.”</p>
<p>My nephew with Asperger’s was the most video game addicted of anyone I’ve ever known. He got bored and twitchy whenever he couldn’t play. My brother kept gradually adding other activities to his son’s life and it no longer seems to be a problem.</p>
<p>Thank you, Dr. Charlton, for redefining Asperger’s Syndrome. In our efforts to understand the complexities of autism spectrum disorders, it is so very helpful to see it described in such a simplistic manner as three personality traits: neuroticism, lack of extraversion and lack of agreeableness. (Funny, I don’t remember seeing these three characteristics listed in the DSM-IV for AS). </p>
<p>And what a surprise to discover that these three specific personality traits describe video game ADDICTS (and probably other addicts as well). Also, how scientific of you to make correlations to ANOTHER group of individuals - without actually studying THEM. And how timely to publish your findings describing this “correlation” during Autism Awareness month. Any other brilliant observations on autism that you care to share with the world?</p>
<p>[btw, I’ll have to let my S (who has Asperger’s) know that not only is he not “normal” - but he’s not even a normal Aspie!]</p>
<p>I wonder if those of us addicted to CC also have Asperger’s traits… (lol).</p>
<p>Scansmom, I think over30 was just trying to share new info with a couple parents on CC who have wrestled with kids with serious video game addictions (dropping grades, loss of social life, inability to sleep, etc).</p>