THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL GAMES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract

This study investigates the role of digital games in improving the social skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main objective was to analyze how interaction with digital games can positively influence the social development of these children. The methodology used consisted of a detailed literature review, employing a qualitative approach to examine recent studies on the topic. The results indicated that well-designed digital games can provide a safe and controlled environment for children with ASD to practice social skills. It was observed that these games can improve nonverbal communication, emotion recognition, and social interaction. However, the research also revealed challenges, such as the need to customize games to meet individual needs and the importance of professional monitoring during use. The discussion addressed the implications of these findings for educators, therapists, and game developers. It was concluded that, although digital games have significant potential as a complementary therapeutic tool, it is crucial to integrate their use with other traditional interventions. Further research was recommended to establish specific guidelines on how to effectively implement digital games in intervention programs for children with ASD, aiming to maximize the benefits in the development of social skills.