A recent study has revealed that the roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons can enhance the confidence of autistic individuals and help them feel more at ease in social situations.
Dungeons and Dragons is an extremely popular roleplaying game, enjoyed by millions around the globe, both in person and online, on a daily basis.
Recent research indicates that the game may be especially helpful for people on the autism spectrum, offering them a supportive environment to practice social interactions away from the everyday difficulties they encounter.
This study, published in the journal Autism, was conducted by researchers from the University of Plymouth’s School of Psychology in collaboration with colleagues from Edge Hill University and Dalarna University in Sweden.
The researchers worked with a group of autistic adults to investigate whether creating a comfortable social setting could foster their success in social interactions.
After an initial introduction to Dungeons and Dragons, participants, guided by a game master, engaged in scenarios within small groups over a six-week period.
Subsequently, the researchers interviewed the participants one-on-one about how their autism influenced their experiences and whether participating in the game affected their lives positively.
During these interviews, participants expressed their social interests and aspirations, while also noting challenges such as a lack of confidence in communicating and worries about how others viewed them. These concerns often led them to mask or suppress their autistic traits.
Playing Dungeons and Dragons created a welcoming atmosphere where participants quickly felt a natural bond with others involved.
By understanding shared experiences related to both in-game and real-life activities, they were able to relax without the pressure to behave in a prescribed manner. This sense of belonging allowed them to contribute more effectively to the group’s dynamics.
The participants also reported that they were able to adopt some traits from their characters in the game, which positively influenced their self-perception outside of it.
Dr. Gray Atherton, a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth and the lead author of the study, stated: “There are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding autism, including the belief that autistic individuals lack social motivation or imagination. Dungeons and Dragons challenges these stereotypes by emphasizing teamwork within a completely imaginative setting. Participants viewed the game as a refreshing escape, providing them with a chance to explore a different persona and share experiences outside of their often challenging daily reality. This escapism fostered a sense of comfort, with many trying to incorporate elements from the game into their everyday lives.”
Dr. Atherton and Dr. Liam Cross, also a Lecturer in Psychology at Plymouth and the senior author of this study, have dedicated many years to exploring the effects of gaming on individuals with autism and other similar conditions.
In a separate study released recently, it was found that individuals with autism appreciate board games as they minimize the pressure associated with uncertain social interactions and eliminate the need for small talk.
Dr. Cross added: “Autism carries various stigmas, which can lead to judgement or misunderstanding. Many families express concerns about their autistic teenagers spending excessive time on video games. Often, these worries stem from preconceived notions of how autistic people should behave, based on neurotypical standards. Our research has demonstrated that many everyday games and activities not only provide enjoyment to autistic individuals but also help build their confidence and skills. While this may not hold true for every autistic person, our findings suggest that such experiences can be positive and worthy of acknowledgment.”
