Serious Games for the Treatment of Children with ADHD: The BRAVO Project

Abstract

Children affected by attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit several symptoms characterized by inattention, impulsivity and motor hyperactivity that impair both school performance and everyday life. The BRAVO (Beyond the tReatment of the Attention deficit hyperactiVity disOrder) project dealt with the development of several serious games based on extended reality that help patients improve in self-control, respect for rules, attention and concentration. In order to achieve both logopaedic and behavioural educational goals, serious games were developed concerning three different categories: Topological Categories, Infinite Runner and Planning. Experimental tests conducted over a six-month period assessed the patients’ performance and the emotional impact of the games, also showing a general improvement in cognitive and behavioural functions.