The Benefits of Coding for Kids with ADHD and Autism

Jahnavi B
4 min readAug 13, 2023

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Coding has bleeded into our lives more than we realize. And our dependency on it has augumented in numbers over the following years.

“Software is a great combination between artistry and engineering.” — Bill Gates

From scrolling through social media to online shopping, from online transactions to booking an Uber, from submitting an application form to creating a website or starting a blog, everything involves coding in one way or the other. Even Google has algorithms which help it to help the customers to give them revelant information based on their searches. THis is called SEO(Search Engine Optimization) which ranks pages based on this associativity with the keyword searches given by the user and is a little more complicated than you think. This also helps people writing articles and owning websites to rank better in Google.

We have apps and websites that convert text to audio and vice versa, to convert files into different formats, to download images, songs and any form of multimedia involves lines of code. Coding is also used in various fields such as mathematics, science, robotics, pyschology, economics and many more.

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of Computer Science which is the ability of a comptuer to behave as a human and perform functions performed by us. In order to do that, there is a in-depth research of our nervous system essentially the brain, the way the mind works so that machines could also work in a similar fashion.

We have Data Science which is essentially research of voluminous amount of data, identifying and extracting patterns and trends which will help us to predict the data for the future.

The wide range of benefits of coding is the major reason as to why college placements also look for students with a strong coding background even if there are from branches other than Computer Science.

But coding does come with cons such as exposure to screen time for a long time, obesity as it requires long hours of sitting and also develops anxiety due to the immense competition in the tech world.

Now, coming to the actual topic, you have to know that coding has no restriction to age, gender, caste or even your college degree. It is open to everyone.

Coding can offer significant benefits for kids with ADHD and autism, providing them with a structured and engaging outlet that aligns with their unique strengths and needs. Here’s why coding can be particularly beneficial for these children:

  1. Structured Learning: Coding involves step-by-step processes and logical thinking, which can provide a structured learning environment. This structure can help kids with ADHD and autism better manage their attention and focus, as they can break down complex tasks into manageable steps.
  2. Visual Learning: Many kids with ADHD and autism are visual and kinesthetic learners. Coding often involves visual representations (like blocks or lines of code) that can help them understand abstract concepts in a concrete manner. The act of manipulating these visual elements can also cater to their kinesthetic learning preferences. Matching coding with their interests is essential.
  3. Individualized Learning: Coding allows kids to work at their own pace, adjusting the complexity of challenges as they progress. This flexibility is beneficial for children who might need more time to grasp certain concepts or who want to explore advanced topics when they’re ready. This indivudalized training will benefit the child more as they don’t have to compete with other kids.
  4. Focus on Strengths: Many individuals with ADHD and autism possess exceptional attention to detail, pattern recognition abilities, and strong memory skills. These strengths can translate well into coding, where attention to detail is essential, and spotting patterns is a valuable skill.
  5. Routine and Predictability: Many kids with ADHD and autism benefit from routines and predictable activities. Coding can provide a consistent and structured routine that can help them manage their time and reduce anxiety.
  6. Immediate Feedback: Coding environments typically provide instant feedback, allowing children to see the results of their efforts immediately. This can be rewarding and motivating, helping to maintain their interest and engagement over time.
  7. Creative Expression: Coding encourages creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box. Children with ADHD and autism often have unique perspectives and can thrive when given the opportunity to express their creativity through coding projects.
  8. Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully creating a working program or project can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. This sense of achievement can be especially valuable for kids who might struggle in traditional learning environments.
  9. Social Interaction: Coding can foster social interactions in various ways. Online coding communities and platforms allow kids to share their work, collaborate on projects, and learn from others. This can be particularly beneficial for children with autism who might find face-to-face social interactions challenging and help them grow their social skills.
  10. Future Opportunities: Learning to code can open up future opportunities in technology-related fields. As these fields continue to grow, having coding skills can be a valuable asset for these children as they transition to adulthood.

CodeKaroYaaro is an online BootCamp that helps kids develop a passion for coding. There are specialized online courses with a one-one interaction that will help the kid focus on their skills. CodeKaroYaaro also teaches Web Development and Mobile App Development. If you are interested, please check out the following links.

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Jahnavi B

I love writing poems and short stories. Hopefully you like it too.