The Effectiveness of Cognitive Computer Games on the Working Memory of Children with High Functioning Autism Disorder

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive computer games on the working memory of children with high-functioning autism disorder. The research method was semi-experimental with pre-test post-test design with control group. The statistical population of this study included all children with autism disorder 9-12 years old in Tehran's educational, therapeutic and rehabilitation centers in 2018. Out of the target population, 12 boys with high functioning autism disorder were selected by sampling method based on the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) (1999). They were randomly assigned into two groups of experimental group (6 subjects) and control group (6 subjects). Initially, both groups were evaluated by Cornoldy working memory test. After that, the experimental group received cognitive computer games in 12 sessions of 40 minutes in 4 weeks. At the end, both groups were re-evaluated. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis. The findings of this study showed that cognitive computer games improve the working memory of children with high functioning autism disorder. Hence, cognitive computer games can be used as an effective interventions to improve the working memory of children with high functioning autism disorders.