Can Online Games Help People With Autism?
New Delhi: A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Plymouth in the UK suggests that playing online games, specifically role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, can improve the social skills of people with autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The study, published in the journal Autism, involved eight individuals with autism who participated in both in-person and online sessions of the game.
The research aimed to determine whether creating a comfortable social environment could enhance the participants' social interactions. Dr Gray Atherton, the study's lead author and a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth, emphasized that Dungeons and Dragons challenges common misconceptions about autism.
"There are many myths and misconceptions about autism, with some of the biggest suggesting that those with it aren’t socially motivated, or don’t have any imagination. Dungeons and Dragons goes against all that, centring around working together in a team, all of which takes place in a completely imaginary environment," she said.
Over six weeks, the participants engaged in game sessions under the supervision of a game master. Following this period, they were interviewed to explore how their autism influenced their experiences and whether playing the game had any impact on their lives.
The participants revealed that they often concealed or masked their autism symptoms in social situations. However, the game provided them with a welcoming environment where they felt a natural connection with other players. This experience allowed them to adopt new personas, which positively influenced their self-image.
Dr. Atherton added that participants saw the game as "a breath of fresh air, a chance to take on a different persona and share experiences outside an often-challenging reality. That sense of escapism made them feel incredibly comfortable, and many of them said they were now trying to apply aspects of it in their daily lives."
This suggests that the role-playing experience may have lasting benefits for individuals with autism, enhancing their social skills and self-confidence.
