Does anyone have any info about the Nintendo Wii system and its use as therapy with special needs kids? I have heard that is good for developing both fine motor and gross motor skills. My employer is looking into it and I am considering it for my son. He is a whiz with the computer, even doing spread sheets and Word. While we've never been video game addicts, we do have a Nintendo 64 system that gets use maybe 5 - 6 times a year. Jake has fooled around with it a little but he seems to have trouble working the little toggle. It seems that the Wii would be more actual body movement, not to mention promoting cooperative and turn taking play. Does anyone have any personal experience or knowledge about this?

My son loves his uncle's Wii - he took right to it and figure out the gross motor skills - it will take a while for the fine motor. Meanwhile, I'm still trying to talk my DH into using the SmartCycle someone sent us for Christmas. He is totally against video games of any kind esp. for our young kids. I work really hard to not roll my eyes and try to see it from his point of view (knowing we can't prevent them from this exposure forever by hiding video games in the attic). I think the smart cycle might help with some gross motor things he needs help with...

that is so interesting about a cooking game being the one your son likes. I should check it out. thanks much for the feedback.

Are there good games or programs for kids with autism? What titles? This is interesting. I never thought I would say it, but I would love to find a game (electronic or otherwise) that my son might like to do. He doesn't have many interests and I hadn't really thought of a wii or gameboy as I didn't know games were available.

I don't know about formal therapy uses, but we have a Wii and I can share what we've done. My Typical son and husband are very into sports. My Autism son is not. When we shopped for a game system, we considered how every could enjoy it. We thought that a Wii, with the more physical interaction, could add to our Autism son's sensory diet, motor skill development, as well as give him a way to play sports that didn't require great control of a ball, actual running, etc. We got the Wii and we've all enjoyed it very much, but my Autism son hasn't gotten into the sports games. Surprise surprise, what he is drawn to is a quirky game called Cooking Mama Cookoff! He loves to pretend to chop, peel, stir, crack eggs, and create gourmet dishes. He never wants to help me cook in the kitchen, but he loves this game, and we get such a kick out of playing it with him. I figure, not only does it entertain, but he practices controlling repetitive "small" motions, just like you would when chopping or slicing vegetables.

Good question. My son when he was in the hospital for awhile loved the nintendo/xbox and would do things I didn't believe he could..