“My autistic toddler, Liam, said, “Mama!” Liam is considered nonverbal since he doesn’t use any words functionally or spontaneously; it seems to be more of echolalia. Regardless of the reason, we are so proud. “Mama” was a word that he said when he was 12 months old and lost it in regression.”

However, recent research has discovered that it could be especially beneficial for individuals with autism, providing them with a secure environment to participate in social interactions, away from some of the difficulties they encounter in their everyday lives.

It observed researchers collaborating with a team of autistic adults to investigate the potential benefits of creating comfortable social settings to boost their performance.

After becoming familiar with Dungeons and Dragons, the participants, guided by a games master, enacted scenarios in small groups over six weeks.

The researchers then interviewed them individually about how they felt their autism might have interacted with their experiences and whether taking part in the game impacted their lives.

The participants talked extensively about their social desires and motivations in the interviews. However, they also discussed the challenges they faced, such as a lack of confidence in their communication with others and insecurities about how others would perceive them. They mentioned that this often led them to conceal or mask their autistic traits.

Playing Dungeons and Dragons, they said, created a welcoming environment where they quickly felt a strong connection with others participating.

It became easier for them to relax and avoid feeling pressured to act a certain way, both inside and outside of the game, once they understood the common issues linked to the activities. As a result, they felt more included in the group’s interactions and were able to contribute better.

The participants also found that embodying traits of their new character in the game allowed them to experience personal growth beyond the game.

Dr. Gray Atherton, who is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth and the lead author of the study, mentioned, “There are many myths and misconceptions about autism. Some of the biggest myths suggest that individuals with autism lack social motivation and imagination. However, Dungeons and Dragons contradicts these misconceptions by emphasizing teamwork in an imaginary environment. Participants in our study found the game to be a refreshing experience, allowing them to take on different personas and share experiences outside of their challenging reality. This sense of escapism made them feel incredibly comfortable, and many expressed that they were trying to apply aspects of the game in their daily lives.”

Dr Atherton and Dr Liam Cross, both Lecturers in Psychology at Plymouth, have been researching the impact of gaming on individuals with autism and similar conditions.

Another recent study demonstrated that individuals with autism enjoy board games because they alleviate the pressure related to meeting and interacting with people, eliminating the need for small talk.

Dr. Cross stated, “Autism is often associated with stigmas, which can result in individuals facing judgment or disdain. Many families also express concerns about teenagers with autism spending excessive time playing video games. Often, this is because there is a preconceived notion of how individuals with autism should behave based on neurotypical experiences. Our research has demonstrated that there are everyday games and hobbies that not only bring joy to autistic individuals but also help them develop confidence and other skills. While this may not apply to all individuals with autism, our work indicates that engaging in such activities can lead to positive experiences that should be celebrated.”