Video games as an alternative for children with ADHD and ADD

Abstract

This research explored the impact of video game use on students with ADHD and ADD at the Alejo Lascano Educational Institution, Ecuador. The main objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of video games as a therapeutic tool to improve attention and behavior in these students. A quantitative methodology was used, with pre-test and post-test surveys to 16 teachers, to measure their perceptions of the systematic implementation of educational video games in the classroom. The results revealed a significant change in the teachers' perception. Initially, there was widespread skepticism regarding the benefits of video games to improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and promote positive behavior in the classroom. After the implementation of the video games, a substantial improvement was observed in the opinion of the teachers, who showed greater confidence in the potential of these tools to improve the academic and behavioral outcomes of students with ADHD/ADD. Findings suggest that appropriate integration of video games into the school curriculum may be a valuable strategy to address students' needs, especially in contexts where traditional therapeutic resources are limited, confirming the need to explore innovative technology-based educational interventions.