Tia LaRue’s Post

Autistic play is not just for kids and is the topic for today’s #AutisticEmpowerment post! Many Autistic people are told that we play “wrong”. Many of us have been shamed for playing with something in a way differently than it was maybe originally designed, or playing with it in a way that others hadn’t thought of. And since when did people become the Play Police deciding what kind of play is and isn’t okay? All play is valid. Play has many, many purposes including boosting our wellbeing, learning, connecting with others, engaging in our interests, and – best of all – fun! How we achieve these things can be very personal. What is fun for me may not be fun for you, but that’s totally fine. The world would be dreadfully dull if we all played the same way. What can Autistic play look like then? Autistic play might include: Lining up toys in a specific order Laying out a scene with our toys Creating shapes and patterns Creating rich imaginary worlds with characters, rivalries, love and intrigue Drawing the same picture multiple times It could be building and caring for a collection Sensory seeking like swinging, climbing, hiding in small spaces, or spinning Scripting games before they begin Word play and puns Echolalia and palilalia Interest in something you’d expect from someone older/younger All of this is ok! Sometimes some Autistic people prefer playing alone. This can minimise distractions, cut out the stress of socialising, and allow us to dip into a monotropic flow state more easily. Sometimes playing with a friend or family member can be fun, especially if it is an organised game. Many of us love a good board or video game! Often we enjoy partaking in parallel play which we mentioned on Sunday when talking about love languages (missed that post? Go back and check it out!). In my home often we are all doing our own thing and sharing space while doing so. Sometimes that results in some co-operative play, sometimes it doesn’t, but it means we can talk about what we are doing in a safe space. How can you support Autistic play? First off – accept that our play may look different but that it is valid. Support our SpIns. Some people pathologise our interests and encourage parents to restrict our access to them, but they can bring enormous joy and help us to regulate. Buy toys we are genuinely interested in. Not just the toys you think we could like based on age and gender expectations. If possible, don’t just wait for special occasions. Our passionate interests can become all consuming and having to wait 3 months for a birthday could mean missing out on a lot of fun. Remember that if you are joining us playing that you are a guest in our play, not the other way around. Learn the way we are playing, subvert your expectations and you just might have a whole lot of fun! #autism #autistic #AutismAwareness #AutisticAcceptance #AutisticCommunity #AutisticCulture #play #AutisticPlay #childhood #ParallelPlay #boardgame #videogame #SpIn

I fit right in with my bright yellow top next to Mario! 😆 My son said I was Daisy. 🤗 The Game Lounge at the Mom 2.0 Summit was a blast! I spent A LOT of time here chatting with - Epic Games, Entertainment Software Association, Nintendo, Studios Quality - Xbox Game Studios, Ubisoft , Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) - about how to keep our neurodiverse gamers and kids SAFE while playing their video games. They were very receptive and eager to ask me questions, which I happily answered. 🥰 I felt excited that Xbox’s Safety Representative took notes on his phone about my suggestions. I appreciate that sincerely because there are plenty of misconceptions about ADHD and video games. ❌ Here’s a big Myth: Some people think video games cause ADHD. That’s False! 🙅♀️ 🧠ADHD is in our genes and brains - these are the causes of our ADHD, not external factors. Hundreds of scientific research have confirmed ADHD is genetics and hereditary. ❤️That’s why ADHD is NOT your fault. 🙏 Some parents shy away from video games for many reasons. I respect that. I used to as well. And I’d hate for anyone to avoid the benefits of video games because of that myth. As I shared with these brands, my boys and I play video games together to learn skills, connect, and have fun! As a bonus, I’m the “cool mom” who plays video games. 😁 I can relate with my boys in various levels (pun intended). I have so many more cherished stories to share about how my kiddos and I use video games differently. 🤗 I welcome further discussions with these brands and raise awareness about neurodiversity and our kids’ safety. What would you want me to discuss with them more on behalf of our neurodiverse kids? I have my list of topics, and I’d love to add yours! #mom2summit #adhdlifesimplified #ThrivingADHDMom #Speaker #Lawyer #EAS #ESRBRatings #videogames #ADHDAwareness #ADHDMythsversusFacts #ADHDSimplifier https://lnkd.in/gv6XAMM6

Dixit and Werewolf as ASD interventions Board gaming is a growing industry, and anecdotally popular among people who display autistic traits. New research has highlighted the science supporting the anecdote and, for the first time, the important reasons behind the link. Led by researchers at the University of Plymouth, the research took the form of five studies; collectively showing that people with autism are overrepresented in board gaming compared to the general population, and that playing modern board games -- such as Dixit or Werewolf -- provided a social outlet in a structured space. Published across two papers in the American Journal of Play and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the research also showed that board games took the pressure off the uncertainty around meeting and interacting with people, removing the need for small talk and providing a form of escapism. Shedding light on the games' popularity, the findings could help to inform future work on designing wellbeing interventions for special populations. The work was co-led by Dr Liam Cross and Dr Gray Atherton who hope to use the findings to further work into improving wellbeing for people with autism. Dr Atherton said: "We know that board games are a safe and valuable hobby to many people with autism. What this research established was why that's the case, and we really want to use the findings to conduct future work. "The findings as a whole aren't a shock, but what is surprising is the lack of evidence underpinning board game use as an intervention for people with autism. Hearing the feedback from the study participants was really motivating to try and push this forward in different settings -- and is further reinforced by another recent study we've published in the Journal of Simulation and Gaming on the game mechanics that might work for different people in specific populations. "Everyone with autism is unique, and we want to ensure any interventions could be adapted as needed for those who might benefit." Dr Cross added: "When we talk about hobbyist board gaming, we mean don't just mean a family game of Monopoly every now and then. We mean the kind of newer games that individuals play frequently at places like board game cafés. It's a popular hobby, and we're pleased to have been able to shed more light on its importance for so many people. #asd #socialcommunication #research

It's fascinating to learn about the valuable benefits that board games offer to individuals with autism. Recent research from the University of Plymouth in the U.K. has shed light on the strong connection between board games and individuals with autistic traits. This newfound understanding opens up possibilities for designing future wellbeing programs and social enrichment activities tailored to the needs of this community. #Autism #BoardGames #WellbeingInitiatives #SocialEnrichment #ResearchDiscovery

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons can provide social benefits and a safe space for autistic adults to interact and develop relationships. Read the full review of the research below: https://lnkd.in/epmPhCut #SimplyPsychology #Autism #ActuallyAutistic #AutismResearch

🌟 Exploring Serious Mobile Games for Children with Autism 🌟 As technology advances, so does our ability to create meaningful and impactful tools for all members of our community. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the emergence of serious mobile games designed specifically for children with autism. These innovative games are more than just entertainment. They serve as powerful tools to help children with autism develop critical skills such as communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation. By leveraging engaging gameplay and adaptive learning techniques, these apps can provide personalized support that meets each child's unique needs. Here are some key benefits of serious mobile games for children with autism: 1. Interactive Learning:These games offer interactive scenarios that help children practice real-world skills in a safe and controlled environment. 2. Engagement and Motivation:The fun and engaging nature of games can increase motivation and attention, making learning more effective. 3. Skill Development: Games can be tailored to target specific skills, such as language, motor coordination, and problem-solving. 4. Progress Tracking: Many of these apps include features that allow parents and therapists to track progress and adjust the difficulty level to match the child's development. As we continue to innovate, it's crucial that we support and promote technologies that enhance the lives of children with autism. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive world where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Let's celebrate these advancements and continue to advocate for inclusive technologies! #AutismAwareness #EdTech #SeriousGames #InclusiveTech #ChildDevelopment #MobileLearning

🎮 Video Games: Controversy or Therapy? 🧠✨ Video games are often criticized for promoting violence and isolation. But did you know they can also improve cognitive skills, reduce stress, and help those with ADHD? 🤯 From creativity to emotional management, video games are much more than just a pastime! Discover why they might be a resource for our mental well-being. 💡👇 What do you think? Do you play video games? Which are your favorites? https://lnkd.in/dzU9mcUP #VideoGames #MentalHealth #Cognition #StressRelief #ADHD #GamingCommunity #Creativity #ResponsibleGaming #SocialGaming #Wellbeing #cognition #meaning

🎮🧩🧠 Gaming & Autism: A Complex Connection 🤔 Many with Autism develop intense obsessions that can lead to gaming addiction. Understanding triggers and providing alternatives with patience is crucial for managing this delicate balance. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/grdKman4 #GamingAddiction #AutismAwareness

🎮🧩🧠 Gaming & Autism: A Complex Connection 🤔 Many with Autism develop intense obsessions that can lead to gaming addiction. Understanding triggers and providing alternatives with patience is crucial for managing this delicate balance. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/grdKman4 #GamingAddiction #AutismAwareness

🎮🧩🧠 Gaming & Autism: A Complex Connection 🤔 Many with Autism develop intense obsessions that can lead to gaming addiction. Understanding triggers and providing alternatives with patience is crucial for managing this delicate balance. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/grdKman4 #GamingAddiction #AutismAwareness