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Computer Games for Kids With Autism

Autism is a neurological disorder that is estimated to affect 1 in 150 people in America according to Autism Society of America. Kids who suffer from autism may have problems with recognizing emotions in others, identifying order and sequence, identifying matching objects and learning concepts such as numbers, letters and colors. Some computer games can help kids with autism learn these concepts and skills.

  1. Number of Rabbits

    • "Number of Rabbits" teaches children how to identify the correct number of rabbits in the pictures. First, three pictures containing different numbers of rabbits appear on the computer screen. Then the game asks children to find the picture containing a particular number of rabbits. When the child clicks on the correct picture, he or she will be able to move on. If he or she happens to click on the incorrect picture, the correct picture will flash yellow until the child clicks on it. This game is located at http://www.mousetrial.com/modules/numbers/contents/index.html?iMod=2.

    Face Say

    • The game "Face Say" helps children recognize emotions in others. A face is presented on the computer screen that shows an emotion such as being happy or sad. The player of this game will have to look at facial features such as the eyes, nose and mouth to determine how the character on the screen is feeling. A demo version of "Face Say" can be downloaded for free at http://www.facesay.com/download.html.

    PixMatch Animals

    • "PixMatch Animals" is a two-player game that teaches children memory skills. Players will click on two cards at a time to reveal an animal. The goal is for them to remember where the different animals are so they can match them to each other. As they find a match, the pair is cleared from the screen. This game is accompanied by animal sounds, but the computer sound may be muted if desired. To play this game, visit http://www.slatersoftware.com/PixMatch.html.

    Time Sequence

    • The "Time Sequence" computer game teaches children what comes next in a sequence. This is done by showing a video of a person performing an action that takes several steps, such as putting on a tennis shoe. Children will then be shown pieces of that particular action and have to drag the appropriate action in the correct order using the words "first," "next" and "last" as a guide. There is a hint button available if the child needs help. The "Time Sequence" computer game can be played at http://www.do2learn.com/games/dragndrop/timesequence/index.htm.

    What Color

    • The computer game "What Color" uses a character named Bud to teach children about various colors. Questions such as "What color is Bud's hat?'' will be asked. Four boxes are on the screen and children will have to click on the box with the correct color. Children are not able to move on until they identify the correct answer. There are several rounds to this game that children can try to master. To play "What Color," visit http://www.do2learn.com/games/whatcolor/pages/index.html.

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