Abstract
This mixed methods paper reports fndings from three studies examining the overlap between autism and hobbyist board
gaming. The frst was a quantitative survey of over 1600 board gamers, showing that autistic individuals are overrepresented
in this hobby compared to the general population and that autistic traits measured by the AQ are signifcantly elevated
amongst board gamers. Study 1 also assessed gamers’ motivations and preferences and reported key diferences as well
as similarities between autistic and non-autistic gamers. The second was a qualitative study that reported the results of 13
interviews with autistic individuals who are hobbyist board gamers. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA),
four key themes were uncovered, including a preference for systemising, escapism and passions, the social lubrication efect
of games and difculties with deception. In the third, 28 autistic individuals were introduced to board games in groups of
5–10 over an afternoon. Subsequent focus groups were then analysed using IPA. This analysis uncovered themes around how
board games are challenging but encouraged growth and how they were an alternative vehicle for forging social relationships.
Through this paper, we discuss how and why board games may be a popular hobby amongst the autistic population, and its
potential utility for improving autistic wellbeing.
gaming. The frst was a quantitative survey of over 1600 board gamers, showing that autistic individuals are overrepresented
in this hobby compared to the general population and that autistic traits measured by the AQ are signifcantly elevated
amongst board gamers. Study 1 also assessed gamers’ motivations and preferences and reported key diferences as well
as similarities between autistic and non-autistic gamers. The second was a qualitative study that reported the results of 13
interviews with autistic individuals who are hobbyist board gamers. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA),
four key themes were uncovered, including a preference for systemising, escapism and passions, the social lubrication efect
of games and difculties with deception. In the third, 28 autistic individuals were introduced to board games in groups of
5–10 over an afternoon. Subsequent focus groups were then analysed using IPA. This analysis uncovered themes around how
board games are challenging but encouraged growth and how they were an alternative vehicle for forging social relationships.
Through this paper, we discuss how and why board games may be a popular hobby amongst the autistic population, and its
potential utility for improving autistic wellbeing.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 5 Jul 2024 |