Report: Casual games help ADHD sufferers

According to the survey conducted by Information Solutions Group on behalf of PopCap Games, the titles appear to lessen symptoms of ADHD by increasing attention span, providing stress relief, and improving memory strength and focus.

Moreover, because of the increased sense of accomplishment experienced in playing the games, survey respondents reported enjoying this form of therapy.

New York-based psychologist Dr. Carl Arinoldo said: "It seems that children with AD/HD often lack that sense of control that comes much more easily to their non-AD/HD peers. Playing casual games such as Peggle and Bejeweled, among others, is one area in their lives in which these children can experience some sense of control with the added benefit of achieving success in something. Both of these aspects, taken together, can serve to enhance the child's self-concept and self-esteem."

A total of 13,296 casual game players responded to the Information Solutions Group survey, with 2,728 respondents claiming they, or someone in their care, were suffering from some type of disability.

Of these, 422 were identified as children, ranging in age from five to 17-years old, the majority falling between the ages of eight and 16. Of the children, over half (52 per cent) were said to be suffering with a mild (30 per cent), moderate (55 per cent) or severe (15 per cent) form of ADHD.

The second largest group was children with autism (21 per cent), followed by Dyslexia (8 per cent) and Down Syndrome (3 per cent).