Autism Spectrum, Hikikomori Syndrome and Internet Gaming Disorder: Is There a Link?

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review the available literature investigating the relationship between hikikomori, a pathological condition characterized by severe social withdrawal or isolation, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Studies on the relationship between ASD and IGD have found significant positive correlations between these two conditions. Individuals with ASD would appear to be at risk of developing a problematic use of the Internet, which, to the right extent, would represent a useful tool for social interaction and cognitive development. Even subjects with hikikomori, in whom rarefied interpersonal relationships and social isolation could be balanced by the use of online connections, appear to be at high risk of developing IGD. On the other hand, the finding of significant autistic traits in populations with hikikomori could lead to considering this psychopathological condition as a particular presentation of autism spectrum, a hypothesis that requires further investigation.

Case report: hikikomori syndrome in Italy and its link with autistic traits and internet gaming disorder

“…Moreover, ASD subjects are known to show marked reward dependency mechanisms and, therefore, are more easily exposed to behavioral addictions such as IGD ( 35 , 36 ). On the other hand, the use of virtual communication can be seen as an attempt of adaptative behavior that can allow ASD subjects to present a completely different personality from themselves, appearing successful and socially acceptable ( 28 , 61 – 63 ).…”

The relationship between game genre, monetization strategy and symptoms of gaming disorder in a clinical sample of adolescents

“…ASD is marked by enduring deficits in social communication and a consistent, repetitive display of behaviors, interests, or activities ( 15 ). It has been hypothesized that individuals with ASD, who often exhibit heightened attention to detail, weak central coherence, and sometimes specific visual skills, might possess a certain adaptability for video game tasks that demand swift visual scanning in intricate environments ( 17 ). Also, the difficulties inherent to these neuropsychiatric conditions can conceivably contribute to an appearance of the challenges presented in video games as more enjoyable, manageable, or rewarding than other tasks ( 17 ).…”

Internet Gaming Disorder in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

“…These are associated with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities [1]. A recent review [12] found a significant association between these two conditions. The main hypotheses regarding the association between IGD and ASD evaluated the use of video games as a tool for "facilitating" relationships with peers [13], as well as the possibility that the better visuospatial abilities typically found in autistic patients make them skilled in gaming, which requires identifying numerous stimuli in complex virtual environments [14].…”

“…The main hypotheses regarding the association between IGD and ASD evaluated the use of video games as a tool for "facilitating" relationships with peers [13], as well as the possibility that the better visuospatial abilities typically found in autistic patients make them skilled in gaming, which requires identifying numerous stimuli in complex virtual environments [14]. However, many of the reported studies are based on adult patients and differences can be found in the use of standardized tests to investigate IGD [12].…”

“…Although the literature has consistently found associations between IGD and both clinical ASD and ADHD, there are only a few studies on such associations in the pediatric population [12,19]. Furthermore, there is only one study that evaluated the IGD symptoms in both ASD and ADHD in a pediatric population [20].…”