Video games and neurodivergent experience are usually discussed in terms of access, mechanics, or representation. Games are increasingly understood as learning spaces: environments that model ideas about productivity, resilience, and what it means to function well within a system. That said, most games also normalise the expectation that effort (working harder, doing more) should be sustained, […]
When a Digital World Feels Safer Than a School Hallway
For some neurodivergent students, digital spaces aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. Sometimes, a virtual world can be more welcoming, more manageable, and more conducive to learning than a school hallway. And that’s not just about comfort; it directly impacts how learning happens. During my doctoral research, I spoke with an autistic teenager, let’s call them […]
Video games are rotting your brain
If you’re autistic, ADHD, or both, chances are you’ve heard plenty of strong opinions about “screen time”, games being “a distraction”, or worse, “addictive”. You may have tried to explain that Minecraft helps you feel more settled, or that Animal Crossing is the only kind of social interaction you can manage midweek. Often, those explanations […]
When the Body Speaks Digitally
For years, communication research has privileged face-to-face interaction, as though digital interactions were somehow less authentic, less embodied, less human. But what happens when the virtual body, the avatar, takes on the expressive and affective qualities of the physical one? What if the avatar isn’t a poor substitute, but rather a different modality of human communication? […]
How Video Games Are Unlocking Real-World Skills in Autistic Learners
For decades, video games have been seen as distractions — the enemy of attention, productivity, and academic focus. But emerging research, particularly in neurodiversity studies, tells a different story: for many autistic and ADHD learners, video games are not an escape from learning — they are the gateway into it. Rather than diminishing cognitive skills, games […]
Video Games as Therapy? Yes, Really – Affective Tech for Autistic and ADHD Brains
Let’s play a game, shall we? It’s called “How Many Times Have You Been Told Video Games Are Ruining Your Brain?” Bonus points if this came from someone who couldn’t open a PDF without calling for backup. If you’re autistic, ADHD, or both, you’ve probably been on the receiving end of lectures about “too much screen time” or how […]
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 […]
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 […]