Cognitive games as therapy for children with FAS

Abstract

Therapies that help restore abilities in individuals with brain damage are being investigated to help individuals with FAS. These methods focus on rehabilitation and exercises for the brain which improve specific cognitive capacities. We present Cognitive Carnival, a computer game therapy based on cognitive exercises, designed to improve the child's motivation and engagement of the tasks. Three minigames were developed, each based on improving one of three cognitive prinicples: executive function, continuous performance, and working memory. These minigames will be used in controlled therapy sessions with neuropsychologists for children with FAS to determine their effectiveness as a rehabilitative tool.Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder that is caused by the ingestion of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol is a teratogen (substance that is toxic to the developing brain) and can result in abnormal brain development (brain damage). Children with FAS are faced with numerous obstacles, including significant problems with executive functions, attention, memory, and language. These conditions impede children with FAS from succeeding in school and living normal lives.

A Rehabilitation Gaming System for Cognitive Deficiencies: Design and Usability Evaluation

“…The therapists' rating of items [11][12][13][14][15][16], presented in Table III shows that the RGS was easy to use. RGS has functionalities and services that are clear and an interface that is simple, both of which contributed towards this rating.…”

“…One of the most crucial benefits of this game-based intervention is that even rural patients will get the chance to rehabilitate themselves, as the game systems could be distributed via the Internet [14]. In turn, the time for treatment and cost of human resource for each patient treated could be reduced, besides allowing home-bound patients to easily gain access to the treatments [15].…”

Participatory Design of Therapeutic Video Games for Young People with Neurological Vision Impairment

“…Similarly, Achtman et al, found that games can help patients follow through with otherwise tedious therapy routines [1]. Games have been applied to teach sign language to deaf children [15], to support children with autism [11] and to provide cognitive training for children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [3].…”

Design Science Paradigm in the Development of Serious Game for Cognitive Rehabilitation

“…Serious games can be more engaging than paper exercises, accommodate built-in reward and motivation systems instead of real world incentives as the sole motivation for completing the rehabilitation tasks [2].…”

“…On the other hand, the most important advantage is the ability to distribute the game systems using the Internet. Therefore, they can easily reach remote areas [2]. Consequently, the human resource costs per patient treated and the treatment time decrease and home-bound patients can have easier access to the treatment [7].…”