Abstract
IntroductionDigital tablets are used by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for communication, cognitive remediation or therapy. However, the effects of tablet use on these children's social interactions in a multiplayer game situation have rarely been explored. ObjectiveWe tested the effect of tablets on ASD children's social interactions in a multiplayer game situation. MethodWe compared the behavioral indicators of social interaction of eight children with ASD during forty play sessions in two play situations: a physical board game and a digital game. ResultThree young children were more involved in the tablet situation but did not exhibit more socially interactive behaviors. Behaviors inhibiting social interaction, such as agitation or stereotypies, were present among the youngest children in the tablet situation. Across both situations, those behaviors decreased during the game sessions. ConclusionsThere was no tablet effect, i.e., tablets did not improve social interaction during a gaming activity. However, sharing a game with others seemed to contribute to the development of interactive behaviors, and a structured play situation (either a physical board game or a digital game) decreased the autism-related behaviors that limit social interaction.
Published Version
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