Though no quantifiable research has been done on the effects of "Pokemon Go," Dr. James McPartland, director of Yale's Developmental Disabilities Clinic in the Child Study Center, says the game is appealing among kids with autism or Asperger's because of its consistency and structure.
"('Pokemon Go') involves a finite set of interesting characters that is consistent, stable. Kids with autism often like things that are like this that are list-based or concrete or fact-based," said McPartland, who doesn't treat Ian or Ralphie. "They're very good at learning about things and memorizing things, so not only is this a shared area of interest, it's an area in which the kinds of strengths with autism can shine."
According to Dr. Peter Faustino, a school psychologist in New York who doesn't work with Ian or Ralphie, it's the common interest that's helped spark changes in children with autism or Asperger's.
Faustino describes how he guides children with Asperger's or autism to adapt a "social hook," which he defines as "something that will sort of share an experience or a connection." Normally, he advises them to take an interest in sports or pop music. However, Pokemon's popularity proves to be an exception.
" 'Pokemon Go' seems to be making Pokemon mainstream and cool. So it's almost this reverse social hook that's really kind of exciting for some kids," Faustino said. "The other thing that seems to be going on is this opportunity to get outside, to be more interactive outside of the house. This seems to be offering that hook."
While "Pokemon Go" has had some positive effects on Ian and Ralphie, Dr. Fred Volkmar, a professor in Yale's Child Study Center, who does not treat either boy, also warns of possible pitfalls for kids on the autism spectrum.
"The problem with Pokemon is that kids can do it to a point where it interferes with learning about the world," Volkmar said. "If you can make it somewhat functional, it's fine. It's detrimental if it's the only thing they're interested in. If it helps the kid become more isolated, it's not good."
But McPartland, who has worked with Volkmar, advises that with careful monitoring, these detrimental effects could be avoided.
"I don't think there's anything intrinsically detrimental about 'Pokemon Go,' " McPartland said. "Any activity any child does should be monitored by a parent. And parents should say how much is appropriate and when is appropriate and with whom it's appropriate. Like anything else, if those things aren't monitored, issues could arise."
Ralphie's mom says the new interactions are priceless, and she's proud of the positive changes in her son.
"He seems happier. He's laughing more. He seems more confident," Koppelman said. "He fist-pumps and says 'Yes!' when he catches one and then gives people high-fives and shouts 'I did it!' His father and I are both proud of him and how far he has come in only a week's time."