The Positive Power of Video Games
From Autism to Everyday Connections

Video games often get a bad rap, especially when it comes to screen time. But emerging research and firsthand stories suggest that, for individuals with autism, video games can open doors—not just distractions.



1. Safe Social Spaces

Multiplayer games like Minecraft and Roblox offer structured environments for communication and collaboration. For many autistic players, these online spaces allow for connection without the pressure of real-time facial expressions or body language.



2. Focus and Executive Function

Strategy and puzzle-based games challenge the brain in ways that can improve working memory, task-switching, and goal-setting—skills that may need extra reinforcement in autism.



3. Emotional Regulation

Repetitive or open-world games provide soothing, predictable experiences. For some, gaming is a tool to manage anxiety, explore control, and find calm in a chaotic world.



4. Passion-Driven Learning

Whether it’s building in Minecraft, solving mysteries in Professor Layton, or learning code through games like Tynker, gaming can channel intense focus into meaningful skill development.



5. Celebrating Neurodiverse Strengths

Many autistic individuals shine in gaming thanks to their attention to detail, rule-based thinking, and deep immersion. Rather than fighting their interest in games, why not understand and guide it?



Like any tool, video games can be used well—or poorly. But for many on the spectrum, they are more than play: they are connection, confidence, and even a pathway to learning.



21st Century Learning in Surprising Places



Recommended Video Games for Autistic Players - Game Titles

Minecraft - Open-ended, calming, builds creativity and logic

Animal Crossing - Soothing routine, social but low-pressure

Portal 2 - Puzzle-solving, logic, story-based

Roblox - Custom games, social connection, creativity

Stardew Valley - Repetitive calming tasks, farming, social interaction

LEGO Video Games - Predictable structure, teamwork, and problem-solving

Monument Valley - Visual-spatial puzzles, calming music and design

Kerbal Space Program - Encourages physics learning, trial and error

Toca Life World - Kid-friendly, creative expression, no winning or losing



"Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.”

—Diane Ackerman



This article gives hope and direction. Instead of feeling guilty about screen time, reframe video games as tools for connection, learning, and even emotional growth—especially when chosen with care.



Learning Outside the Classroom When Play Becomes Purpose Parenting in the Digital Age—With Heart

This summer, take a fresh look at how your child connects, learns, and plays.

Instead of counting screen time in minutes, look for meaning:



Are they problem-solving? Collaborating? Expressing creativity?



With the right guidance, video games can become more than entertainment—they can be a gateway to confidence, communication, and joy.



Explore with them. Ask questions. Join the game.

You might be surprised at what you learn—not just about the game, but about your child.



Side by side, hands on controllers and hearts wide open, video games become more than play—they spark laughter, conversation, and connection. In these shared moments, bonding comes naturally, one level at a time.

Side by Side in Pixels and Time” - Adult play time

On a personal note…

In the quiet of the night, long after the world had gone to sleep, my husband and I would settle into side-by-side chairs with controllers in hand, launching into endless rounds of Dr. Mario and Tetris into the early hours—laughing, teasing, competing, and simply being together. Those shared games weren’t just pastimes—they were little rituals of joy and closeness. And isn’t that what play is really about? We weren’t trying to win—we were just being together. The falling blocks, the upbeat music, the shared silence broken by the occasional laugh or competitive nudge—it was our ritual. Those late-night sessions weren’t just about games. They were about presence. About partnership. About the simple joy of existing side by side, level after level, line after line.



There are many video games designed with adults in mind that offer everything from relaxation to brain challenges to rich storytelling. Here’s a mix of options across genres and platforms, depending on your mood or style:





1. For Relaxation & Mindfulness





These are perfect for winding down, calming anxiety, or creating peaceful routines:



Stardew Valley – Farming, friendships, peaceful pacing Unpacking – A meditative game about organizing belongings through life transitions Journey – Wordless, beautiful exploration with emotional depth Dorfromantik – A tile-building game with soft music and no pressure





2. For Puzzle Lovers & Strategic Thinkers





Great if you enjoy Tetris-style thinking or brain teasers:



Tetris Effect: Connected – A modern, sensory-rich take on Tetris The Witness – Gorgeous island full of visual puzzles and deep concepts Lumines Remastered – Rhythmic puzzle game with beautiful sound design Picross S Series (Nintendo Switch) – Addictive logic puzzles





3. For Story & Emotional Depth



These offer rich narratives and adult themes, often with minimal action:



Firewatch – A mysterious, voice-driven narrative in a Wyoming forest What Remains of Edith Finch – Storytelling through gameplay about memory and legacy Life is Strange – A choose-your-path story with emotional complexity Spiritfarer – A gentle, heart-tugging game about helping spirits pass on





4. For Cooperative or Social Play





Play with a partner or friend (side by side or online):



Overcooked 2 – Hilarious and chaotic teamwork game (best with a partner!) Lego Video Games – Charming, forgiving fun for all ages Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes – One person sees the bomb, the other reads the manual!



5. Classic Nostalgia, Grown Up





If you liked Dr. Mario and Tetris, you might enjoy:



Puyo Puyo Tetris – Combines two classic puzzle games Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (Switch) – From backgammon to mahjong Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Easy to pick up, endlessly fun at any age

Access original article at: https://conta.cc/44W3onR