Gaming has long been a contentious topic online and offline, with opinions on the topic wildly differing.
However, within the neurodivergent community, gaming is very often an important and often 'transformative' element. Why is gaming so prevalent in the neurodivergent community? We really need to explore this further to improve acceptance and understanding; gaming and 'screen time' aren't inherently negative things.
We'll take a look at the educational, mental health, social and emotional benefits that gaming can offer here in this blog post.
The appeal of gaming within the neurodivergent community can be down to many different factors:
- Structured Environment: Many neurodivergent individuals crave structure and predictability, something that video games are great at providing. With explicitly clear rule and goals, and consistent feedback, many types of games provid a controlled environment.
- Sensory Stimulation: There are many types of sensory input that can be provided by the many genres of computer games, giving those with sensory processing difficulties the ability to access sensory input on their own terms, comfortably and and to also fulfil their sensory needs.
- Social Interaction on Their Terms: Gaming allows for connection with others, without the anxiety of real-world social 'norms', and can remove the feelings of isolation often felt by neurodivergent people.
For many neurodivergent individuals, gaming is NOT just entertainment, it is a self-regulation tool and a vital outlet for the following reasons:
- Escape and Focus: Games provide an escape and respite from the overwhelming demands of 'real world' life.
- Routine and Control: Games can help those who thrive on routine to establish a routine that makes them feel safe and secure.
- Emotional Regulation: Games provide a useful outlet for emotions and stress, helping a neurodivergent person to re-regulate and decompress, allowing for a calmer day.
There are so many more benefits to gaming for neurodivergent people...
- Cognitive Benefits: a lot of genres of game, such as role-play and puzzle games, provide a great 'cognitive workout'.
- Stress Relief: Gaming can distract from anxiety and worries, providing a great outlet.
- Social Connection: Online gaming communities can provide an enormous amount of support and camaraderie, and often neurodivergent gamers will band together creating a thriving online friendship group for those who struggle to make friends offline, or perhaps prefer to socialise online which is totally valid too. We don't all *need* to be social butterflies!
Gaming is a very powerful and underrated educational tool for the following reasons:
- Interactive Learning: Games can be a really engaging way for those struggling to access their education to learn and grasp complex concepts.
- Skill Development: Some games are designed to teach valuable life skills such as teamwork and strategy, giving the gamer tools for future employment in any field they're keen to work in.
- Motivation and Engagement: The reward systems in games are designed to motivate and capture the attention of the gamer, leading them to aspire to reach their goals and complete each levels, which can be useful for those who struggle to progress in a conventional educational setting.
So, we've laid out all of the benefits, so why are we still dealing with a negative perspective of gaming? Here are some key points to take away...
- Gaming is Not Just a Hobby; it;'s a TOOL for many neurodivergent people.
- Embracing gaming is embracing inclusivity.
- Recognising the therapeutic benefits of gaming is beneficial in learning how you can better support neurodivergent people.
Find our very popular webinar on this topic with Dan at MindJam here.
