THE USE OF DIGITAL GAMES AND GAMIFICATION IN THE COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of digital games and gamification on the cognitive and emotional development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The central problem was to understand how these tools can contribute to the learning and development of emotional and social skills in autistic children. The objective was to analyze the effectiveness of digital games and gamification in improving visual perception, sustained attention, impulse control, empathy, and social interaction skills. The methodology adopted was a literature review, with the analysis of articles, books, and case studies on the use of these tools in educational and therapeutic contexts. The results indicated that digital games and gamification promote significant improvements in cognitive skills, such as visual perception and decision-making, in addition to contributing to emotional and social development, especially in impulse control and empathy. The analysis showed that, although the benefits are evident, the adaptation of games to individual needs and the training of professionals are aspects that need to be improved. The final considerations highlighted the importance of continuing research on the personalization of these tools and the need to explore their long-term impacts. Future studies should focus on adapting the tools and training educators for their implementation.