VitalPlay’s Post

Gamification—the use of game elements in non-game contexts—has been shown to improve focus, behavior, and self-regulation in children with ADHD. Video games, when paired with therapeutic elements like music, create a fun, engaging way to keep kids involved while building essential cognitive skills. 📚 Scientific Backing: Research by Martín-Moratinos et al. (2022) found that video games, especially those incorporating music therapy, significantly improve attention and behavior in children with ADHD. By turning therapy into an interactive experience, games help kids engage with their treatment while making it enjoyable. Martín-Moratinos, M., Bella-Fernández, M., & Blasco-Fontecilla, H. (2022). Effects of Music on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Potential Application in Serious Video Games: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25. https://lnkd.in/dbTmu8Qd 💡 What We’re Doing: At VitalPlay, we’re inspired by this research to design games that combine science and play. Our goal is to create experiences that not only entertain but also empower children with ADHD, helping them develop skills like focus, memory, and emotional regulation—all while having fun.

Background and Aims Fundamental motor skills and attentional difficulties are observed in a large proportion of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 4-week training fundamental movement with the approach of teaching games for understanding (TGfU) on motor and cognitive skills in children with ADHD. Methods The study was quasi-experimental, using a pretest-posttest design with a control group. A total of 18 students between the ages of 7 and 10 years (mean age: 8.05±1.10 y) were selected as the sample. In the pretest stage, participants performed the third edition of the test of gross motor development and attention networks test. The participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The training process consisted of 4 weeks (2 sessions of 60 minutes per week) with the approach of TGfU. After the intervention process, a posttest was taken. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measurements and independent t test. Results The results of data analysis showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in motor skills (P=0.001), including locomotor (P<0.001), hub skills (P=0.019), and cognitive skills (P<0.001). Conclusion In general, it can be said that a 4-week training of fundamental skills with the TGfU approach can improve motor and cognitive development in ADHD children. #ADHD  #CognitiveSkills  #FundamentalMotorSkills  #TeachingGamesForUnderstanding

As a part of my university degree, for Interaction Design Studio, we were prompted to create an AI-based prototype around an issue and concern of our choice. Myself, Omar Jaradat, Ameya Suryavanshi, Jake Isaacs and Gabriel Thomas wanted to target a niche market and create a tool that can aid children in school with ADHD. Through research, all other products and tools out there were useful however only had minimal capabilities and didn’t cater to the many needs of ADHD children. 1 in every 20 Australians has been diagnosed with ADHD and more than 3 in 4 children diagnosed with ADHD still have symptoms as an adult. Through research, we decided to create a browser for schools that can cater for children with ADHD to make studying simpler and more efficient. From this Fokux was created. Fokux is derived from the Dutch word Fokus which means focus; the Netherlands is ranked 8th in the world for the best education system. The prominent feature we included was Pomodoro Mode. A Pomodoro is a studying technique that is proven to improve efficiency in breaking down a workload to achieve tasks efficiently. Writing down a set of task goals that are realistic to focus on in each Pomodoro that differ from one another achieves a greater outcome of success. Another feature that we understood should be implemented was the option to simplify any browser searches to make reading information much more concise and less overwhelming, hence the creation of normal and simplified modes, which break down information into smaller summarised bits of text with the inclusion of images and videos. At the end of each Pomodoro, there is a little quiz to ensure productive work is being conducted and once the Pomodoro is complete there is a series of 3 generated questions about the content to ensure it is understood. Users are also able to change the visual appearance of the browser into different colour themes and aesthetics to create subtle changes to make learning more interesting. There was also a points-based system with the more research conducted and the productivity of users, the more points accumulated which allowed for theme changes and incentives to use Fokux. Creating this project, coming up with our concept and creating a working prototype was very challenging facing problems and collectively curating a solution that worked within the realms of what we wanted to create was a great experience understanding real-world problems and coming up with feasible and realistic solutions within deadlines. Thank you to my group members for making this project extremely memorable and to my teachers A. Baki Kocaballi and Amy Chandler for the guidance and encouragement of Fokux.

🌟 Gaming for ADHD: From Labs to Living Rooms 🌟 Imagine a world where managing ADHD doesn’t just mean another pill—it means a game designed to help children improve focus and impulse control while they play. This is where digital therapeutics is headed. In collaboration with our Chief Science Officer Prof.Dr.Dmitry Mikhaylov, we’re building a science-backed platform to support children with ADHD through data-driven gameplay. Using Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) tech, we’re tracking EEG data like alpha and beta waves from 50 children to measure: 🎯 Attention & Focus ⚡ Impulse Control 🧠 Memory Retention ⚡ Processing Speed 🧩 Problem-Solving As Dmitri says, “Each data point helps us refine our approach to empowering children with ADHD to thrive.” We’re not just playing games; we’re revolutionizing ADHD care, making it accessible, engaging, and measurable. #ADHD #DigitalTherapeutics #VitalPlay #BCITech #Neuroscience #Gaming

[VR & Disability] Detecting ADHD in children through gaming The Finnish company Peili Vision has developed a virtual reality game that helps professionals detect symptoms of ADHD in children. The company aims to support the identification of learning challenges in schools and healthcare. The game’s target audience includes teachers and healthcare professionals who work with children. Teachers can use data from the game to identify executive function challenges in their students and healthcare professionals can quickly receive information about a child’s potential ADHD symptoms, potentially shortening the wait for a diagnosis. They have two products: EFSim Check  A web-based simulation game that objectively assesses the executive function skills of 8–13-year-old students. Based on university research, the game simulates various everyday situations. In the game, students act in a home-like environment where Laura the Dragon verbally assigns them various tasks. Students are required to memorize and complete these tasks to the best of their ability. Completing the tasks demands attentiveness and strategic planning from the students. EFSim Test  A medical device designed for assessing ADHD symptoms in children aged 8–13. It simulates a home-like environment within a virtual reality setting and measures various aspects of attention, executive function, and prospective memory. EFSim Test is intended for use by healthcare professionals to support diagnostic work. Test results are always interpreted by a healthcare professional. The games are backed by peer-reviewed research and more than 6,000 students have used Peili Vision's school product. I’m conflicted about the value of this technology in a country like the UK - On one side, with the extremely long NHS queues for the assessment of ADHD, those games would appear to help accelerate diagnosis. - On the other hand, I’m afraid that this would be yet another task for which overworked teachers will be responsible and an alibi for the government to cut even more healthcare budgets. What do you think? Do you see the glass half full or half empty? #VR #ADHD #Tech4Good #TechHealthcare https://lnkd.in/ekjjCKv8

We incorporate several game mechanics to improve executive function in ADHD patients, focusing on cognitive skills like planning, working memory, impulse control, and flexible thinking: 1. Task Switching: Players alternate between puzzles, mazes, and rule changes, enhancing cognitive flexibility. 2. Working Memory: Memory puzzles and pattern recognition strengthen short-term information retention. 3. Impulse Control: Mini-games challenge players to pause and think before acting, improving self-control. 4. Planning & Strategy: Complex tasks require resource management and multi-step strategies to boost organizational skills. 5. Goal-Oriented Missions: Missions with clear objectives teach players to break down tasks and focus on long-term goals. 6. Adaptive Difficulty: Difficulty adjusts dynamically to promote resilience and problem-solving without overwhelming players. 7. Real-Time Feedback: Instant rewards and feedback encourage intrinsic motivation. 8. Timed Challenges: Players balance speed and accuracy, improving time management. 9. Decision-Making: Choices that affect outcomes enhance decision-making These features provide engaging, interactive ways to develop essential executive function skills. #adhd #gaming #focus #healthtech #therapeuticgames #brain

𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐃𝐇𝐃 Educating children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) requires methods tailored to their unique needs and strengths. Here are some effective strategies and methods: 𝟏. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 Consistent Routines: Children with ADHD thrive in a structured environment with clear routines. Predictable schedules reduce anxiety and help them focus by letting them know what to expect next. 𝟐. 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Chunking Tasks: Divide assignments or activities into smaller, manageable segments. For example, instead of a 30-minute reading task, divide it into 10-minute sessions. 𝟑. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 Custom animations, sounds, and interactive scenes, to enhance learning. 𝟒. 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 Reinforce Good Behavior: Reinforce positive behavior with praise or small rewards, focusing on what they did well rather than on mistakes. Positive reinforcement helps them stay motivated. 𝟓. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Dedicated Workspaces: Set up quiet, distraction-free workspaces. This could be a designated desk with limited visual clutter for home learning. Noise Control: To help them focus in a busy environment, use noise-canceling headphones, white noise, or calming background music. 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 The best approach is a blend of structure, flexibility, and understanding. Educators who are patient, use positive reinforcement, and create supportive environments will foster the success and self-confidence of children with ADHD, empowering them with tools that enhance learning and social skills. 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐙, utilizing the latest in AI Generative solutions provides an ideal environment for your young scholar with ADHD to flourish in an academic setting and gain confidence in engaging in a social environment. Please visit our site and schedule a brief, no-obligation Zoom meeting for more information. http://www.pillarz.us Thank you for your time.

🎮 How Games Help Build Brain Skills 🧠 Gaming is a powerful medium that naturally integrates many of the cognitive skills necessary for managing ADHD. Successful gameplay requires a constant balancing act between focus, strategy, and flexibility. These inherent qualities make gaming an excellent training ground for executive function skills. 🔄 Task Switching and Gaming: Many games require players to juggle different objectives or change strategies on the fly. Whether it’s switching between solving puzzles or battling enemies, gaming forces players to shift their attention — key skills for ADHD management. 🚦 Impulse Control in Gaming: Games often present situations where players must resist the urge to act hastily. Whether it’s waiting for the perfect moment to strike or avoiding a tempting shortcut, players are challenged to exercise patience, training their impulse control. 🧩 Planning and Strategy in Gaming: Games require both short-term tactical decisions and long-term planning. Managing resources and navigating complex levels helps develop essential skills like time management and organization — both crucial for ADHD individuals. How We Integrate These Skills Into ADHD Therapy 🧠🎮 At VitalPlay, with Serenium, we’ve harnessed the intrinsic strengths of gaming to design a game specifically for individuals with ADHD. Our mechanics aren’t just about entertainment — they’re scientifically tailored to address the core cognitive challenges of ADHD through engaging gameplay. 1️⃣ Task Switching Meets Cognitive Flexibility: Players face varied tasks — whether solving puzzles or navigating new environments, encouraging them to shift focus and adapt quickly. 2️⃣ Impulse Control Training Through Engaging Mini-Games: Players learn to pause, think, and choose wisely, developing the patience and self-control essential for managing impulsivity. 3️⃣ Strategic Planning and Goal Management: Mission-based gameplay challenges players to break down complex tasks into smaller, achievable goals, strengthening their ability to prioritize and strategize. 💡 Why It Works Individuals with ADHD can harness their unique brain wiring to develop critical executive functions through gaming! Serenium adapts to each player’s skill level, ensuring that they’re continually challenged but never overwhelmed, allowing for sustained growth. With every task switch, every strategic decision, and every impulse controlled, players are learning to navigate both the game world and real life with more focus, control, and success. Full article here: https://lnkd.in/dtPR9_98

🎮 Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity with Serenium 🎮 Understanding #ADHD means embracing its unique strengths within neurodiversity—creativity, hyperfocus, and adaptability. With our deep roots in #gaming, Serenium by VitalPlay is designed to be fun first, while also enhancing attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. 🌟 The Power of Games in ADHD Management: 🎮 Games can provide instant feedback, which is crucial for learning and motivation, especially for individuals with ADHD. This immediate response helps them understand consequences and adjust strategies quickly. 🧘♂️ Some games are designed to enhance mindfulness and reduce impulsivity, teaching players to pause and consider their actions—skills that can translate to real-world success. 🎯 The engaging nature of video games can harness the power of hyperfocus, turning it into a tool for learning and improvement. 🧠 Neurofeedback games that adjust difficulty based on the player’s brain activity encourage states of focused attention, training the brain over time to sustain attention longer. 🔄 Customizable difficulty levels allow games to be tailored to individual needs, ensuring they are always challenging but not overwhelming. 📅 By incorporating routines and structured play, these games help improve organizational skills and time management. 🤝 The social aspect of some games can also be beneficial, improving communication skills and building social relationships, which can be challenging for people with ADHD. 🎯 Let’s continue to innovate and make a positive impact on the ADHD community!

Adolescents with #ADHD reported playing video games more frequently, as well as experiencing more problematic video game use and more negative emotional/behavioral symptoms than adolescents without ADHD, according to a recent study. The study found that: 🎮 Gamers with ADHD reported greater problematic use, psychological dependence on gaming, and more negative consequences in relation to video games. 👾 Adolescent gamers with ADHD reported more conduct problems, hyperactivity, and greater general difficulties compared to gamers without ADHD. 🕹️ Adolescent gamers with ADHD reported playing video games for stress relief, mood improvement, intellectual stimulation, enjoyment, and sense of identity compared to gamers without ADHD. Join us at our #AskTheExperts webinar tomorrow “ADHD, Children, and Digital Media” to learn more about children with ADHD and digital media use ➡️ bit.ly/3BlAnow #ParentingTips #DigitalParenting #ADHDAwareness