Pop Cap games commissioned a study that was performed by Information Solutions Group that looked at the ability of casual video games to lessen symptoms of ADHD. According to the study casual games can improve the attention span, provide stress relief and improve memory for kids with ADHD.

The study also says that the sense of accomplishment provided by playing these games helps boost the self esteem of ADHD kids. The study polled 13,296 casual game players with 2,728 of the respondents saying that they or someone in their care had ADHD. The study also had some kids with dyslexia, autism and Down Syndrome as well.

Dr. Carl Arinoldo, a Stony Brook, New York-based psychologist of 25 years' experience comments, "It seems that children with AD/HD often lack that sense of control that comes much more easily to their non-AD/HD peers. Playing casual games such as Peggle and Bejeweled, among others, is one area in their lives in which these children can experience some sense of control with the added benefit of achieving success in something. Both of these aspects, taken together, can serve to enhance the child's self-concept and self-esteem."

Via Popcap