Online gaming for autistic youth: Exploring the impact on participation from the perspectives of autistic adolescents and their caregivers.

INTRODUCTION

The rise in the number of adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has highlighted the need for strength-based approaches to support them. The accessibility of online gaming has made it a popular avenue for autistic adolescents to socialise and connect with others while enhancing skill development. This study aimed to explore online gaming from the perspectives of autistic adolescents and their caregivers, including the impact gaming may have on daily participation and functioning.

METHODS

This study employed a mixed methods research design. Both autistic adolescents and their caregivers completed online surveys comprising a combination of Likert-scale and open-ended questions. The survey responses were descriptively and thematically analysed.

CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Survey questions were reviewed by volunteer staff (including autistic staff members) of a local autistic community coding club to ensure readability and accessibility of the survey.

RESULTS

In total, 45 participants (23 caregivers and 22 autistic adolescents) responded to the survey. Themes relating to online gaming were identified, including social communication, emotion regulation, and skill development while also highlighting caregiver concerns of online safety and excessive screen use. Most autistic adolescents reported feeling happy when playing online games and most caregivers agreed online gaming supported their child to build better relationships with others. Over half of autistic adolescents agreed that online gaming helped them feel more confident in social situations with others.

CONCLUSION

Allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, may utilise online gaming, incorporating strength-based learning and skill development, when working alongside autistic adolescents and their caregivers to facilitate social participation and promote online safety.