Including Non-Autistic Peers in Games Designed for Autistic Socialization

TL;DR

This paper advocates for a neurodiversity-based approach to designing social games that safely and effectively include autistic children with their neurotypical peers, addressing current gaps in game design and social integration.

Contribution

It introduces a neurodiversity approach to serious game design that promotes safe, confident interaction between autistic and neurotypical children.

Findings

Highlights safety concerns in current public social games.

Identifies a gap between autistic children's needs and existing solutions.

Proposes a neurodiversity approach to improve social integration.

Abstract

Through a review of current game practices, the author highlights concerns regarding the safety of public social games and the singular medical approach to serious game design for autism. The paper identifies a disconnect between the needs of autistic children and the existing solutions. To fill this gap, a neurodiversity approach to serious game design is proposed. This approach aims to address the social needs of autistic children, enabling them to interact with their neurotypical peers directly, confidently, and safely.