Dungeons and Dragons is a good thing

The history of Dungeons and Dragons traces back to 1973. Since then its influencer has been widely felt. From basement tables…

To Stranger Things:

to the heroine of the great TV show Daredevil:

But recently researchers have begun to observe how D&D help people develop socially and, more specifically, how D&D and other role-playing games can help people with autism.

The basic elements are there. The gaming environment offers clear rules around social interactions, accomplishments in game help boost confidence and the game playing community conveys a strong sense of kinship

At least according to the authors of a new paper published in the journal Autism.

“There are many myths and misconceptions about autism, with some of the biggest suggesting that those with it aren’t socially motivated, or don’t have any imagination, Dungeons & Dragons goes against all that, centering around working together in a team, all of which takes place in a completely imaginary environment. Those taking part in our study saw the game as a breath of fresh air, a chance to take on a different persona and share experiences outside of an often challenging reality. That sense of escapism made them feel incredibly comfortable, and many of them said they were now trying to apply aspects of it in their daily lives.”

Study co-author Gray Atherton, the University of Plymouth.

Today’s social world is one where the rules are constantly changing and the expectations are unclear. For many autistic people, this can be a daunting and isolating experience. This leads to smaller social circles, and withdrawing to avoid public rejection.

The study found that D&D offers a respite, a game-playing environment where autistic individuals feel more comfortable and confident, leading to collaboration, communication and a sense of belonging. It's a safe space where they can be themselves without fear of judgment.

As one autistic player shared:

"D&D gave me a place where I didn't feel judged. I could be myself without worrying about saying the wrong thing. It helped me realize that I'm capable of making friends and having meaningful relationships."

Experts agree that the collaborative nature of D&D, combined with its emphasis on creativity and problem-solving, can be particularly beneficial for autistic individuals.

Take it from Robert Harvey, a board-certified behavior analyst and director of intensive behavioral health services at KidsPeace, a multistate provider of mental and behavioral health care:

"One of my most memorable experiences was working with a young man named Alex who had severe social anxiety. He was hesitant to participate in group activities and often withdrew from conversations. After a few sessions of D&D, however, I noticed a significant change in his behavior. He became more engaged, confident, and willing to interact with others. During one particularly challenging encounter in the game, Alex was able to overcome his fear of public speaking and deliver a persuasive argument to his fellow players. It was a remarkable transformation to witness."

So, if you're looking for another reason to revisit the pen and paper world of D&D, it’s ability to help others is a very good reason.