Parental perspectives on video game genre preferences and motivations of children with Down syndrome

Abstract

PurposeVideo games have the potential to improve brain plasticity in people with Down syndrome. However, little has been done to understand video game preferences in this population. The purpose of this paper is to describe a brief exploration of video game preferences in children with Down syndrome.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was used to collect information from parents of children with Down syndrome about their child’s favorite video games and why they like video games.FindingsChildren with Down syndrome, as reported by their parents, most frequently play action/adventure games, and have several motivating factors for game play including overcoming challenges to gain reward and having fun engaging in the game world.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study only recruited from a small sample of the Down syndrome population and therefore may lack generalizability.Practical implicationsGaining a better understanding of which aspects of video games appeal to children with Down syndrome. Knowing what they prefer will enable us to design games that are engaging and cognitively beneficial.Originality/valueThis paper proposes the importance of video game play to promote development in children with Down syndrome.