Guest Blogger – Anita Allen
Video gaming addiction is increasingly recognized as a growing concern, particularly among neurodivergent populations such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Polyvagal Theory offers a deeper lens into the nervous system’s role in regulating behaviour, emotion, and social engagement. Understanding this connection may shed light on why video games are particularly compelling—and sometimes addictive—for those with ASD and ADHD.
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, provides a framework for understanding how our autonomic (think “automatic”) nervous system responds to safety, danger, and life threat. According to the theory, our nervous system has three primary states:
- Ventral Vagal State (Safe and Social): Regulated by the ventral vagus nerve, this state supports social connection, calmness, and playfulness. When in this state, we feel safe and can engage meaningfully with others. When gaming, this may look like turn-taking, playful chatter and laughter.
- Sympathetic State (Fight or Flight): When the brain perceives danger, the sympathetic nervous system activates. This state prepares the body for action, characterized by anxiety, hyperactivity, or aggression. A gamer in fight or flight may erupt when they suffer a loss, and can be verbally aggressive, or begin throwing things, or physically acting out when they are asked to stop gaming.
- Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown or Freeze): If the nervous system perceives extreme threat and escape is not possible, it can shut down entirely. This state leads to dissociation, withdrawal, or numbness. A gamer in this state will appear numbed out, opting for repetitive solo games, and avoid social connection both online or with family.
The nervous system constantly scans the environment for cues of safety or danger, a process called “neuroception.” This internal mechanism does not rely on conscious thought; rather, it interprets facial expressions, tone of voice, inner thoughts and environmental cues. It uses this information to determine the level of threat. It will then, without conscious thought, take appropriate action to move toward one of the three states: safe/social, fight/flight, or freeze/shutdown.
Neurodivergence and Nervous System Dysregulation
Individuals with Autism and ADHD often live in a state of heightened nervous system activity. Sensory issues, executive function challenges, and social unpredictability can make the world feel unsafe. For someone with Autism, the challenge of interpreting social interactions or dealing with sensory overload in a classroom can trigger a sympathetic response. Likewise, individuals with ADHD may struggle to remain in a safe and social state because the areas in the ADHD brain responsible for paying attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation aren’t working in a coordinated way.
Because of this dysregulation, these individuals often cycle rapidly between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and dorsal vagal (shutdown) states. The ventral vagal state—the calm, socially engaged mode—is harder to access. This makes it difficult to connect with peers, focus on schoolwork, or manage daily routines without anxiety or fatigue.
Why Video Games?
Video games offer an environment that uniquely supports nervous system regulation—especially for people with ASD and ADHD. Here’s how:
- Predictability and Control: Video games have clear rules, immediate feedback, and consistent environments. This predictability creates a sense of safety and control, which can calm the nervous system.
- Flow State Access: Many games allow players to enter a “flow state”—a balanced state between challenge and skill—which may help regulate attention and mood for individuals with ADHD.
- Reduced Social Demand: Online gaming can offer social interaction without the nonverbal complexities or sensory demands of face-to-face interaction, easing stress for autistic individuals.
- Dopamine Rewards: The fast-paced feedback and rewards system in games provides dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical produced in the brain which influences pleasure, motivation and satisfaction. Studies show that dopamine is often low in ADHD brains. This can make gaming especially compelling—and difficult to stop.
While these elements can offer therapeutic benefits in moderation, the intense engagement can also become a maladaptive coping mechanism. Over-reliance on gaming to self-regulate can lead to avoidance of in-person challenges, difficulty managing emotions, and decreased engagement with other forms of social or academic growth.
A Polyvagal-Informed Approach to Intervention
Understanding video game addiction through the lens of Polyvagal Theory invites a shift in how we approach treatment and support. Instead of focusing solely on behavioral control (e.g., time limits or punishment), caregivers and clinicians can address the root cause: nervous system dysregulation.
Strategies may include:
- Co-regulation Practices: Helping neurodivergent individuals feel safe through supportive relationships, rhythmic activities (like drumming or walking), cardio/weightlifting work outs or calming routines.
- Sensory Regulation Tools: Providing weighted blankets, fidget tools, soft lighting or quiet spaces to help manage arousal.
- Building Ventral Vagal Experiences: Encouraging safe, face-to-face social engagement in low-pressure environments, such as interest-based clubs or therapy groups.
- Mindful Gaming Practices: Supporting healthy gaming habits by integrating breaks, movement, and in person rewards. The Pomodoro Method is a perfect an example of how to do this. It is a time management method that breaks activity into 25-minute intervals followed by a five- minute break. After a cycle of four intervals, a longer break is introduced.
Polyvagal Theory reframes video game addiction not as a moral failure or lack of discipline, but as a nervous system response to an overwhelming world. For individuals with Autism and ADHD, gaming often becomes a refuge—a way to achieve regulation and agency when everyday life feels chaotic or unsafe. By understanding the physiological underpinnings of this behavior, we can respond with compassion and create environments that support both emotional regulation and face to face engagement.
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