What are your experiences with ADHD + gaming?

[ElspethFlashman]

I've seen contradicting advice.

Some say that gaming (Minecraft etc) is beneficial for ADHD kids as the stimulation relaxes them and gives them a while to zone out.

But some of my friends with NT kids are horrified at the very thought of gaming and think I'm considering it much too young (DS will be 7 by Christmas).

Has anyone any real life experience?

My DS has autism and is having further testing for ADHD. Gaming is his life. It's what keeps us all sane. All the kids I know with similar diagnosis are the same. Gaming is their 'safe space'. Parents of NT kids passing judgment on us need to try walking in our shoes first.

My colleague said "once a console comes into the house, all other toys are forgotten about".

Scared me shirtless! She said "you can forget about him ever touching Lego again! I'm speaking from experience!"

She made it sound like the end of childhood.

Her boys have an X box and she is resigned to it but seems to hate it. Even though they're both v sporty. DS is unlikely ever going to be comfortable in a team/competitive environment so I suppose I do worry he'll become consumed by gaming.

Others say to resist as long as humanly possible.

Also DS plays constantly with his little sister at present, am worried that may stop and she may feel left out.

Am worried about the inevitable rows about getting off it (I wouldn't even get one without an automatic one hour timer).

But I see it as something inevitable anyway, and better to start at an age where its more innocent and more controllable. Where he is at an age which is more amenable to being taught how to use it.

My child's concentration has improved greatly since gaming. Turns out he can concentrate superbly when he is interested. He is like a different person.