Video games, blamed for obesity and anti-social behaviour, have helped an East Maitland boy with autism reach out like never before.
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Brett McGlinn, 8, was diagnosed with autism in kindergarten when he exhibited a speech delay and generally had difficulty in social situations.
His progress is so great he’s now the star of a new video advertisement for the National Broadband Network.
“We didn’t realise how much [technology] would help and gaming in particular,” his dad Mark McGlinn said.
Brett was diagnosed three years ago and began to attend regular occupational therapy sessions and speech therapy.
His parents had separated but Mr McGlinn was able to reach out to Brett through these internet-enabled games and talk to him even while they were apart.
While not a formal type of therapy the gaming enables Brett to talk with other gamers across the country from the comfort of his home.
“Gaming is another step that helps him,” Mr McGlinn said. “It helps because he doesn’t have to make eye contact while he learns how to talk to people and problem solve with others.
“He’s able to take those skills and that confidence to school and interact more.”
Brett’s progress is an unexpected benefit of the national broadband network.
On the old ADSL network the family experienced delays and dropouts that hindered Brett’s gaming and communication with other children.
NBN Co recently connected the McGlinn family with the Limburg family in Willunga, South Australia for a social gaming experience over the broadband network, which was documented on video.