Minecraft is good, so are the My Sims. If you are ok with M rated games, the Mass Effect series is good because the choices you make in the game determine the outcome - so the gamer can see how their choices have consequences.

I think that really depends on the game, the age, and the kid! My 12 yo HFA son easily gets lost in games like Minecraft and World of Warcraft and will not want to do anything else, but we also have family time playing multi-player games like Mario Kart, and that has helped him learn how to win and lose. Our problem is limiting video game time and making him do homework, reading, etc, but we're working on that.

There was a time a year ago when my son was very depressed--beginning self-harm--and felt so alone and worthless. World of Warcraft gave him a world of his own, and he made friends (I played with him and joined his guild to monitor conversations). He had goals in the game and, in some ways, it really helped him out. However, it did become an obsession, but in our case it was more helpful.

So, I don't think video games are necessarily bad, but you need to choose the type of game appropriate for the child. They can build coordination, problem solving, self-esteem.

Games can be an excellent tool. I homeschool my son and he uses Minecraft for a lot of his learning...no kidding! I dare say that it has even been GOOD for his social development. When he plays on servers with other people, he has learned to deal with bully types, works with others to complete a task or common goal, and talks to people from around the world.

It is a place where they have common ground with NT kids as well. Kids don't think my son is 'weird' when he is telling them how to do something in a game they both love! He has recently been playing 'real life Minecraft' with our neighbor's little guy, 'mining' in the snow! They stay outside for hours!

Of course, the hardest part is getting off the game when needed. This can be very difficult with NT kids too though.

With my son, we practiced getting off the game several times a day, even if just for 5 minutes or until he calmed down, just so he would get used to the feeling of anxiety that comes for them. He would melt down but we stayed calm and persisted. Once he realizes the feeling goes away and his game will still be there, it becomes easier for him to get off the game. He still occasionally has a fit, usually stomping and screaming, but he generally gets off the game on time and gets over it pretty quickly compared to when we started.

So If your child loves video games, use them to your advantage! ;)

My youngest's (8yr old) balance, concentration, coordination, even socialization has improved with the help of Wii which has games that are focused on such things... Their (I have 2 boys) therapy ctr uses the Wii frequently... He loves Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus, Wii Party, etc...

I think they are great. Between the wii and the Xbox my daughter can be very creative. I keep it timed though so she doesn't play for hours. She switches between them and the ipad.