There are many amazing stories on the PopCap.com website about how casual games positively impact the health and behavior of people of all ages. One post by mom, Beth Schramek, shares the somewhat miraculous effects PopCap's games have had on her eight-year old son, Gunnar, who suffers from autism. “Chuzzle, Bejeweled, Feeding Frenzy, and Dynomite are among Gunnar’s favorites, with Insaniquarium holding down the top spot for what seems like the hundredth week,” Beth laughs.
Teachers and parents are seeking effective ways to enrich and improve the lives of children who have challenges in learning. At ExerLearning we recognize not only the value of rhythmic physical activity - but great games as well.
Beth first heard about Insaniquarium a year or so ago. “Our son wanted to get a pet fish, but I was concerned about it possibly dying and Gunnar blaming himself,” Beth explains. “My mother-in-law told me about Insaniquarium and suggested the virtual fish in the game might be a good substitute for the real thing.”
Beth has seen marked improvement in her son’s ongoing struggle with autism, and in part credits the games. “Bejeweled, Chuzzle, Feeding Frenzy and the other games have given Gunnar positive reinforcement and helped him learn to focus,” she notes. “They also teach him in subtle ways – things like spatial relations, planning ahead, general problem-solving and so forth. Not to mention the music! Gunnar just loves the music in some of the games – especially Bejeweled. It really seems to have a have a soothing effect and has gotten him more interested in music in general.”
Both mother and son have also discovered another commonly cited side-benefit of PopCap’s games: stress relief. “Gunnar and I both use the games to relax; we call it ‘relaxing our brain’,” Beth smiles. “I play every day at lunch and he plays for awhile each day after school.”
Beth first heard about Insaniquarium a year or so ago. “Our son wanted to get a pet fish, but I was concerned about it possibly dying and Gunnar blaming himself,” Beth explains. “My mother-in-law told me about Insaniquarium and suggested the virtual fish in the game might be a good substitute for the real thing.”
Beth has seen marked improvement in her son’s ongoing struggle with autism, and in part credits the games. “Bejeweled, Chuzzle, Feeding Frenzy and the other games have given Gunnar positive reinforcement and helped him learn to focus,” she notes. “They also teach him in subtle ways – things like spatial relations, planning ahead, general problem-solving and so forth. Not to mention the music! Gunnar just loves the music in some of the games – especially Bejeweled. It really seems to have a have a soothing effect and has gotten him more interested in music in general.”
Both mother and son have also discovered another commonly cited side-benefit of PopCap’s games: stress relief. “Gunnar and I both use the games to relax; we call it ‘relaxing our brain’,” Beth smiles. “I play every day at lunch and he plays for awhile each day after school.”
We've played those games and agree wholeheartedly with their benefits beyond great gameplay fun. For more on how PopCap games can include physical activity, check out our post at FootGaming.
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