DIGITAL GAME TO STIMULATE COGNITIVE AND MOTOR SKILLS OF A STUDENT WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Abstract

The advancement of Information Technology has had an impact on the digital games industry. In the past, these games were predominantly intended for entertainment and fun. Contemporaneously, the possibilities have expanded exponentially, with innovations in the virtual presentation modes and the challenges presented by these games. One of the main advances is the use of digital games for educational and therapeutic purposes, including aiding in the learning process of individuals with Down syndrome. In this context, the current study aimed to evaluate the digital game “Maze for Kids” in stimulating the cognitive and motor skills of a student with Down Syndrome. The methodological procedure was based on the single-subject design, in the AB model, which allowed the analysis of the student's behavior before, during, and after the interventions. Data collection was carried out in nine sessions, with the aid of filming and field notes. From the data analysis, better performance was identified, as the participant achieved better results in the game. Regarding the cognitive and motor skills analyzed, positive results were obtained during the intervention protocol. In conclusion, through the AB model design, it was demonstrated that the use of a digital game performed with a touch resource, when associated with the intervention and linked to the use of strategies, was able to favor the development of motor and cognitive skills of the participant with Down Syndrome, encouraging the resolution of challenges and the student’s autonomy.

Received: 2023/08/02

Reformulated: 2023/11/01

Accepted: 2023/11/01