Studying the effects of computer serious games on people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This study examines the available literature on the effects of serious games on people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. The studies were categorized based on the limitations in skills that these people address. Fifty four studies were selected, from different data sources. These studies address limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. The results showed that the majority of studies on the effects of serious games for people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder had a positive impact. Also, most studies for people with autism aim to improve social and communicational skills, while conceptual and cognitive skills were mainly observed in studies for people with intellectual disabilities. Although this study covers serious games in all platforms or delivery systems, the overwhelming majority of the presented studies include computer serious games. Computer assisted learning through serious games is considered quite promising for people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.