The Effectiveness of Video Games in Developing Communication Skills Among Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Teachers’ Perspectives in the Qassim Region

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of video games in developing communication skills among students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), from the perspectives of teachers in the Qassim Region. The participants were 86 male and female teachers of students with ASD in the Qassim Region. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The results indicated that teachers’ level of use of video games to develop communication skills with their students was high. The findings also showed that the perceived impact of video games on enhancing communication skills among students with ASD was high. Finally, no statistically significant differences were found in teachers’ use of video games based on gender, training, years of experience, or academic qualification. In light of these findings, the study recommended expanding training opportunities for teachers on the use of electronic games to develop communication skills among students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It also recommended leveraging modern technologies in the design of electronic games that take into account the characteristics of this group, and organizing their use in ways that support the development of communication skills, in addition to presenting a number of recommendations and suggestions for future research in this field.