For those annoyed by the hordes who believe they see virtual monsters in the most bizarre locations: Pokemon Go also has its sunny side. As the wildly popular game shows a godsend for people with autism. Mental health institution Parnassia Group is enthusiastic, as are the players and their families.
Go outside, move around, talk to strangers: three things that people do not like to do with autism, but with Pokemon Go that suddenly sounds a lot better. Herman (27 autism, name chaged). "I do not talk to people I do not know. Never. But since half week I talk even to a group of strangers. I just ask: is there something in the area?
Brothers
The son of a teacher Wendy Franssen (11 and 13 years old, both autism and ADHD) did not play outside and not together. In their free time you found them on the computer. Very occasionally into the backyard, where they jump from him the stress of school on a trampoline. Intercommunication is often under high tension, says Franssen. "If you're not careful they'll hit each others head in. I do not rule out one will one day throw the other down the stairs."
Now her sons suddenly roam the neighbourhood looking for Pokemon. Franssen there with all the love on her smartphone. "Mom, we're going to play together, they say every day. Who knows our family knows how very special it is. " Because the game determines when a monster appears, no one is the boss and there is no quarrel, Franssen see. "Normally I say up to one hour multimedia. Now I say, but playing, go ahead. Of course I tell them to stay alert and not allowed to play anywhere, but this really entertaining. "
Herman
Psychiatric nurse Lex Brouwer (Autism Center Dijk & Duin, part of Parnassia Group) is experiencing firsthand how much effects the game - invented by a Japanese designer with autism - has on clients. He treats many young adults who completely revived recently. "They are sociable and have a better mood. Purely by Pokémon. These young people stay inside because they can not handle the outside world. They are often very isolated. This draws them out. " External stimuli that would normally be difficult not be experienced by the look on the screen, Brouwer thinks. "You're in the middle of the outside world, but you can also shut it out. Ideal. We are even considering to include this in our treatment plan."
Professor of Social and Emotional Development in Children Carolien Rieffe (Leiden University) loves it. "That someone with autism suddenly talks to strangers is unique. Something you never hear. I am here very happy. " Her only caveat is about the type of contact made. "This is obviously a limited acquaintance. Whether the game also delivers long-lasting friendships, is another question. " Psychiatrist Miriam Rinne (Curium-LUMC) warns that hobbies and games for people with autism soon become an obsession. "You have to be careful that they do not fly off the road."
Before he left his house ten minutes every day; and now an hour and a half. Herman thinks it's a hallmark of autism. "It's called hyper focus. I made about 60 kilometers in just over a week, a friend with autism 150. ' But with his new contacts he certainly talks about other things too, he says. Because of their shared interest they could skip the dreaded small talk with him. And he visited more places. "I use Pokémon to go to difficult locations such as the grocery store. When I'm there I do from the game. Grocery shopping takes enough energy. "
Pokemon was made in fucking Japan, where the majority of people are either Shinto, Buddhist, or don't believe in anything at all (Atheist). Not only that, but most of them are clueless to the world outside Japan and what people do in those countries. Last time I checked NOWHERE in the Quran does it say that Pokemon is Haraam, especially since it didn't exist then. This is also why I take what Jurists say with a grain of salt, since there are those who issue such bullshit for their interests.
