It’s an older book (2007), but I think it’s a valuable one. The author shares his personal journey growing up autistic but without an official diagnosis, providing a candid and insightful look into his experiences and unique perspective on the world. The book begins with John’s childhood, where he reflects on his early years and […]
Minecraft as a Safe Haven: How Neurodivergent Gamers Use It for Sensory and Emotional Regulation
For many neurodivergent individuals, video games are more than just entertainment—they serve as essential tools for self-regulation, emotional processing, and sensory engagement. Among these, Minecraft stands out as a uniquely adaptable and immersive experience that caters to a wide range of sensory and emotional needs. Its open-world design, customisable gameplay, and predictable yet interactive environment makes it particularly well-suited for […]
Build Stronger Executive Functions with Minecraft!
For neurodivergent individuals, developing executive function skills—which include planning, problem-solving, impulse control, and working memory—can be particularly challenging. Executive functions act as the mental processes that help us organise tasks, regulate emotions, and adapt to new situations. When these skills are underdeveloped or inconsistent, everyday activities such as time management, decision-making, and flexible thinking can become overwhelming. Video games are […]
The Link Between Sensory Sensitivities and Emotion Regulation
Sensory processing and emotional regulation are deeply interconnected, shaping how individuals navigate their environments, process stimuli, and respond to everyday challenges. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, particularly those who are hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory input, emotional regulation can be significantly impacted. When sensory input is overwhelming, the ability to self-soothe, manage frustration, and adapt to unexpected changes becomes more […]
Mistborn: The Final Empire
Another oldie but still very interesting and written by an ADHD author. It is also the first book of the trilogy. It is a gripping and intricate fantasy novel set in a world where an oppressive ruler holds dominion over an empire shrouded in darkness. The story is primarily set in the city of Luthadel, […]
Can Sensory Sensitivities Impact Family Dynamics?
Families function as dynamic systems where each member’s needs, behaviours, and preferences shape daily life. When one or more family members experience sensory sensitivities, these interactions become even more complex. Sensory sensitivities—whether hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness)—can influence everything from social interactions to household routines and emotional well-being. Unlike physical disabilities that are often visible, sensory sensitivities are internal experiences that […]
Can Sensory Sensitivities Influence Cognition?
Sensory sensitivity plays a crucial role in cognition and learning, particularly for neurodivergent students, including those with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences. Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets and responds to sensory input from the environment. When a student is hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory stimuli, this can significantly influence their ability to focus, […]
Mom’s First Step in Autcraft
After slamming his bedroom door for the millionth time, he screamed at me, “You don’t understand me; step into my world, mom!”. That’s when it hit me: the understanding, not the door. It was so simple. Why had I not thought of it earlier? This was a moment of truth, and step in, I did! […]
Embodied ‘difference’ in Stray
Developed by BlueTwelve Studio, Stray is a game in which players embody a cat looking for his family. After the beautiful opening scene, the cat falls into another world called the Walled City. There, he meets a robot, ‘B-12’. Eventually, they join; the robot wants to free all the robot inhabitants, while the cat wants […]
Life is Strange – Existentialism in Video Games
Life is Strange is a video game of the ‘coming of age’ genre developed by Dontnod Entertainment. While the game caters to an 18+ audience, its storyline, through the existential journey of its protagonist, Maxine Caulfield (Max), has a broader appeal (I should know, I’m not a teenager anymore!). The first game was released in […]
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