Autism February 2025 PMID 39166536

A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people.

Gray Atherton, Rhys Hathaway, Ingela Visuri, Liam Cross

Mentions

66
Peak: 27 in Sep 2024
across 6 sources since Aug 2024

Extended reach

222,214
potential audience

Total likes

139

Video views

420

Mentions per month

Aug 2024 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter50 posts
  • Facebook4 posts
  • News4 articles
  • Blogs4 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions extensively emphasize the positive effects of tabletop role-playing games on social skills and confidence in autistic adults, with phrases like 'help autistic people gain confidence' and 'safe space to connect and grow.' The tone is enthusiastic and supportive, reflecting a shared recognition of the research's importance and potential impact on inclusive gaming practices.

AgreementStrong agreement

All discussions strongly support and agree with the research findings about the benefits of TTRPGs for autistic people.

InterestHigh interest

Participants express high interest, highlighting the positive impact of the study and the potential for inclusive gaming.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many comments delve into the implications and share personal insights, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

The widespread support and positive framing suggest the discussions see this research as having significant influence on perceptions of gaming and autism.

Abstract in brief

  • The study found that tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons can create a safe and supportive environment for autistic adults to build social connections and explore new aspects of themselves.
  • Participants reported fewer social challenges in the game compared to real-life interactions, which helped them feel more comfortable and engaged.
  • The research suggests that TTRPGs could be a helpful tool to improve social skills and self-perception for autistic individuals, with potential for further exploration in this area.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
かとうこうへい(コミュゲ研)TRPG・発達・余暇支援・コミュニケーションの研究者
@comgame2014 · X

元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇支援 #TRPG

Sep 3, 2024 · 25 likes · 10 shares · 6,031 followers View post →
Dr Chris Edwards
@DrChrisEd · X

LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming! @arcap_aus https://t.co/46gn2FnrKo

Aug 22, 2024 · 21 likes · 7 shares · 537 followers View post →
Atherton Cross
@CrossAtherton · X

Our new paper in @journalautism explores how DnD from @Wizards_DnD can help autistic people gain confidence and find their inner hero. https://t.co/SVqZHQBCT8

Aug 27, 2024 · 11 likes · 7 shares · 170 followers View post →
afcp
@afcp_01 · X

自閉スペクトラム症成人に対するTRPGを用いた介入研究。 使われているゲームシステムはもちろん D&D 。 クリティカルヒットだぜ! Autism 。 https://t.co/njvM7RKbVC

Aug 28, 2024 · 10 likes · 3 shares · 37,450 followers View post →
Shivam, Advisor Emeritus
@ghirapurigears · X

Fascinating scholarly study on how TTRPGs benefit autistic folk https://t.co/hfslZefgh4

Sep 6, 2024 · 10 likes · 1 share · 36,616 followers View post →
Autism Journal
@journalautism · X

A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people From @CrossAtherton at @plymuni and colleagues Thread by Dr Gray Atherton ⬇️

Aug 26, 2024 · 9 likes · 4 shares · 20,522 followers View post →

All mentions

ghostwriter@長崎市TRPGサークルnameless sidekick
@trpgnameless · X

RT @comgame2014: 元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇…

Jul 28, 2025 · 10 shares · 601 followers View post →
Mari Oho
@mari_oho · X

RT @comgame2014: 元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇…

Oct 12, 2024 · 10 shares · 16 followers View post →
COSMA Lab
@Cosma_Lab · X

RT @CrossAtherton: Our new paper in @journalautism explores how DnD from @Wizards_DnD can help autistic people gain confidence and find the…

Sep 16, 2024 · 7 shares · 22 followers View post →
Paweł Pflegel
@AutyzmBiologia · X

A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people - Gray Atherton, Rhys Hathaway, Ingela Visuri, Liam Cross, 2024 https://t.co/jeUpoH8QWf

Sep 14, 2024 · 240 followers View post →
93.1 KATO Hits
@931katohits · X

AWESOME NEWS: According to research, "Dungeons & Dragons" and other tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs) can help autistic players in social interactions.  https://t.co/83q6wX7FI4

Sep 13, 2024 · 81 followers View post →
Gaming the Mind
@gamingthemind · X

Study. 8 autistic adults participated in a 6-week TTRPG campaign. They reported less difficulty with interaction in-game. Also discussed is the concept of "bleed" (blurring of game character and real life, changing the way the player sees themselves). https://t.co/aktpNdAw80

Sep 12, 2024 · 3,451 followers View post →
Kyleigh Melville
@MelvilleKyleigh · X

RT @DrChrisEd: LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming…

Sep 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 140 followers View post →
Autism Journal
@journalautism · X

RT @DrChrisEd: LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming…

Sep 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 20,522 followers View post →
Game in Lab
@GameInLab · X

Sep 10, 2024 · 1,293 followers View post →
Peter (Inclusion Director, Autistic DM, M.Ed.)
@RollForKindness · X

Something I've been aware of in the 12 years I've been running a #dnd social skills groups for #autistic teens, good to get some research on this. https://t.co/UFMm8RVlfG

Sep 6, 2024 · 1 like · 1,529 followers View post →
Car Combat Central
@carcombat · X

@Lutra_Gaming @Alexandria_RPG @dragonflight @OrcaCon Study: Playing Dungeons & Dragons helps autistic players in social interactions https://t.co/ErnUPpH8ow Ars Technica Sep 05 2024 Autism Aug 21 2024 https://t.co/CxuHJqTSQc https://t.co/HboGbVX3Pr #DnD #ttrpg

Sep 6, 2024 · 7 likes · 1,683 followers View post →
Dr. Holly Walters
@Manigarm · X

RT @ghirapurigears: Fascinating scholarly study on how TTRPGs benefit autistic folk https://t.co/hfslZefgh4

Sep 6, 2024 · 1 share · 8,512 followers View post →
Shivam, Advisor Emeritus
@ghirapurigears · X

Fascinating scholarly study on how TTRPGs benefit autistic folk https://t.co/hfslZefgh4

Sep 6, 2024 · 10 likes · 1 share · 36,616 followers View post →
Dignam Sustained
@dascho_scribler · X

So... this tracks. Not for me personally (I'm even less social than this) but for at least half of everyone I know. https://t.co/8J4ULGuGAY

Sep 6, 2024 · 682 followers View post →
阿部2
@cocotan_0 · X

自閉症の人々のバフとしてのダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people - Gray Atherton, Rhys Hathaway, Ingela Visuri, Liam Cross, 2024 https://t.co/z2Mr5siNMJ ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズやってみたい

Sep 5, 2024 · 2 likes · 1,082 followers View post →
真瓜太郎
@Gbf1dl · X

RT @comgame2014: 元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇…

Sep 4, 2024 · 10 shares · 114 followers View post →
久保耕造
@kozokubo · X

TRPGは自閉症の人々に有益な効果をもたらす? 『D&D』プレイ経験が社会とのつながり、自尊心向上に有効な可能性 https://t.co/VclOLdG57L 論文は https://t.co/VR1WTD3B3c

Sep 4, 2024 · 1 like · 3,127 followers View post →
PFCS@メタガコミュ「MGR-COM」管理人
@otw4imx · X

RT @comgame2014: 元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇…

Sep 3, 2024 · 10 shares · 3,251 followers View post →
きぷろす
@Cyprusmk2 · X

RT @comgame2014: 元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇…

Sep 3, 2024 · 10 shares · 508 followers View post →
csmt
@casamark_ak · X

RT @comgame2014: 元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇…

Sep 3, 2024 · 10 shares · 698 followers View post →
はくぶんつき ゆい
@yuy__hakubun · X

RT @comgame2014: 元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇…

Sep 3, 2024 · 10 shares · 245 followers View post →
かとうこうへい(コミュゲ研)TRPG・発達・余暇支援・コミュニケーションの研究者
@comgame2014 · X

元の「Autism」誌の論文はこちら。 「ダンジョンズ&ドラゴンズ」のキャンペーンに参加したASDのある成人8名を対象に、半構造化インタビューを行い、その結果を報告しています。 https://t.co/Eyx1odoQ0O #発達障害 #余暇支援 #TRPG

Sep 3, 2024 · 25 likes · 10 shares · 6,031 followers View post →
strawberry★machine gun
@strawberry_mg6 · X

自閉症とTRPGのポジティブな関連について。うまくいくのは趣味を媒介とした友達関係だからなのかな。A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people - Gray Atherton, Rhys Hathaway, Ingela Visuri, Liam Cross, 2024 https://t.co/fijwC6ZIzc

Sep 3, 2024 · 9 likes · 2 shares · 3,427 followers View post →
ryo694
@ryo694 · X

A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people - Gray Atherton, Rhys Hathaway, Ingela Visuri, Liam Cross, 2024 https://t.co/wXOjhESSMK

Sep 3, 2024 · 1,391 followers View post →
櫻色
@sakura_fig · X

RT @EL_CO4tw: TLに流れてきたので読んだ。対照実験もなく規模も限定されたケーススタディなどで過度な一般化は慎むべきであろうが、まあそういう傾向もあろうよ、とは思う。TRPGもセーフスペースの1つの可能性としてあっても良いかな、と。 それはそれとして論文タイトルが上…

Sep 3, 2024 · 3 shares · 1,897 followers View post →
ブラフマン
@Garrotte2000 · X

RT @EL_CO4tw: TLに流れてきたので読んだ。対照実験もなく規模も限定されたケーススタディなどで過度な一般化は慎むべきであろうが、まあそういう傾向もあろうよ、とは思う。TRPGもセーフスペースの1つの可能性としてあっても良いかな、と。 それはそれとして論文タイトルが上…

Sep 3, 2024 · 3 shares · 3,055 followers View post →
EL-CO
@EL_CO4tw · X

TLに流れてきたので読んだ。対照実験もなく規模も限定されたケーススタディなどで過度な一般化は慎むべきであろうが、まあそういう傾向もあろうよ、とは思う。TRPGもセーフスペースの1つの可能性としてあっても良いかな、と。 それはそれとして論文タイトルが上手いわね。 https://t.co/LvKzZt2p4T

Sep 3, 2024 · 9 likes · 3 shares · 1,347 followers View post →
Chris Barson
@autismevents · X

RT @journalautism: A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people From @CrossAtherton at @plymuni and colleagues Thre…

Sep 2, 2024 · 4 shares · 746 followers View post →
Gabriela Neuber
@GabrielaNeuber · X

RT @CrossAtherton: Our new paper in @journalautism explores how DnD from @Wizards_DnD can help autistic people gain confidence and find the…

Aug 31, 2024 · 7 shares · 71 followers View post →
山羊白星
@GoatBaishing · X

RT @2d6exp: #TRPG 研究原文連結:https://t.co/owKiduUsgu https://t.co/fZMi69yPaL

Aug 30, 2024 · 1 share · 16 followers View post →
雙d6干涉
@2d6exp · X

#TRPG 研究原文連結:https://t.co/owKiduUsgu https://t.co/fZMi69yPaL

Aug 30, 2024 · 5 likes · 1 share · 54 followers View post →
鄭大潤
@jdaeyun · X

RT @afcp_01: 自閉スペクトラム症成人に対するTRPGを用いた介入研究。 使われているゲームシステムはもちろん D&D 。 クリティカルヒットだぜ! Autism 。 https://t.co/njvM7RKbVC

Aug 28, 2024 · 3 shares · 135 followers View post →
さくら
@sakuranokaori19 · X

RT @afcp_01: 自閉スペクトラム症成人に対するTRPGを用いた介入研究。 使われているゲームシステムはもちろん D&D 。 クリティカルヒットだぜ! Autism 。 https://t.co/njvM7RKbVC

Aug 28, 2024 · 3 shares · 463 followers View post →
afcp
@afcp_01 · X

自閉スペクトラム症成人に対するTRPGを用いた介入研究。 使われているゲームシステムはもちろん D&D 。 クリティカルヒットだぜ! Autism 。 https://t.co/njvM7RKbVC

Aug 28, 2024 · 10 likes · 3 shares · 37,450 followers View post →
Jordan Albright, PhD
@JordanAAlbright · X

RT @CrossAtherton: Our new paper in @journalautism explores how DnD from @Wizards_DnD can help autistic people gain confidence and find the…

Aug 27, 2024 · 7 shares · 227 followers View post →
Steve Wilcox
@stevemwilcox · X

RT @CrossAtherton: Our new paper in @journalautism explores how DnD from @Wizards_DnD can help autistic people gain confidence and find the…

Aug 27, 2024 · 7 shares · 2,702 followers View post →
Ashton Ferguson (she/her)
@Asht0nFergus0n · X

RT @CrossAtherton: Our new paper in @journalautism explores how DnD from @Wizards_DnD can help autistic people gain confidence and find the…

Aug 27, 2024 · 7 shares · 212 followers View post →
Autism Journal
@journalautism · X

RT @CrossAtherton: Our new paper in @journalautism explores how DnD from @Wizards_DnD can help autistic people gain confidence and find the…

Aug 27, 2024 · 7 shares · 20,522 followers View post →
Atherton Cross
@CrossAtherton · X

Our new paper in @journalautism explores how DnD from @Wizards_DnD can help autistic people gain confidence and find their inner hero. https://t.co/SVqZHQBCT8

Aug 27, 2024 · 11 likes · 7 shares · 170 followers View post →
Kathy Leadbitter
@LeadbitterKathy · X

RT @journalautism: A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people From @CrossAtherton at @plymuni and colleagues Thre…

Aug 26, 2024 · 4 shares · 1,411 followers View post →
PujP
@pyuurika · X

RT @journalautism: A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people From @CrossAtherton at @plymuni and colleagues Thre…

Aug 26, 2024 · 4 shares · 282 followers View post →
John Wilkins
@JohnWilkinspsyc · X

RT @journalautism: A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people From @CrossAtherton at @plymuni and colleagues Thre…

Aug 26, 2024 · 4 shares · 1,626 followers View post →
Autism Journal
@journalautism · X

Thanks for writing this thread, @CrossAtherton! The Open Access article is available here

Aug 26, 2024 · 1 like · 20,522 followers View post →
Autism Journal
@journalautism · X

A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people From @CrossAtherton at @plymuni and colleagues Thread by Dr Gray Atherton ⬇️

Aug 26, 2024 · 9 likes · 4 shares · 20,522 followers View post →
Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice - ARCAP
@arcap_aus · X

RT @DrChrisEd: LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming…

Aug 22, 2024 · 7 shares · 961 followers View post →
Marion Rabuka
@marionrabuka · X

RT @DrChrisEd: LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming…

Aug 22, 2024 · 7 shares · 60 followers View post →
Elaine Mcgreevy
@ElaineMcgreevy · X

RT @DrChrisEd: LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming…

Aug 22, 2024 · 7 shares · 4,339 followers View post →
Matthew Harrison
@hattdesigns · X

RT @DrChrisEd: LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming…

Aug 22, 2024 · 7 shares · 1,946 followers View post →
The Quirky Brain Coach PhD, PGCap, PPDip, L5 Coach
@your_nd_coach · X

RT @DrChrisEd: LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming…

Aug 22, 2024 · 7 shares · 4,661 followers View post →
Dr Chris Edwards
@DrChrisEd · X

LOVE THIS! It shows how D&D provides Autistic adults with a safe space to connect and grow. A must-read for inclusive gaming! @arcap_aus https://t.co/46gn2FnrKo

Aug 22, 2024 · 21 likes · 7 shares · 537 followers View post →
Asa Behavioral Healthcare and Research Institute | Fayetteville NC
Facebook

https://journals.sagepub. com/doi/10.1177/13623613241275260 #asabehavioral #research #fayettevillenc. A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for ...

Dec 15, 2025 View →
雙d6干涉
Facebook

我們也只做了摘要,有興趣的可以去讀原文,https: //journals.sagepub. com/doi/10.1177/13623613241275260 大家也覺得TRPG是提供一個輕鬆的社交環境?還是覺 得參加 ...

Dec 15, 2025 View →
雙d6干涉- #TRPG 分享一下由液態香腸百分百製作的《迴路奇譚 ...
Facebook

com/doi/10.1177/13623613241275260 大家也覺得TRPG是提供一個輕鬆的社交環境?還是覺 得參加TRPG很耗費社交能量呢?XD. Amai Ume ·

Oct 13, 2024 View →
Phillip - Jugar Dungeons & Dragons ayuda a aumentar la confianza ...
Facebook

com/doi/10.1177/13623613241275260. journals.sagepub.com. A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic. 1 yr. 5. Profile photo of ...

Sep 10, 2024 View →
Study: Playing Dungeons & Dragons helps autistic players in social ...
Blogs

Autism, 2024. DOI: 10.1177/13623613241275260 (About DOIs). Listing image: Nicole Hill/CC BY-SA 4.0.

Sep 5, 2024 View →
Exploring the Social Benefits of Online Gaming for Autism
News

A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people - (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613241275260).

Sep 2, 2024 View →
How Dungeons and Dragons can empower those with autism
Blogs

doi:10.1177/13623613241275260. Currently rated 5.0 by 1 person. Posted in: Medical Research News | Medical Condition News. Comments (0). Vijay ...

Sep 1, 2024 View →
Menschen mit Autismus profitieren von Dungeons and Dragons
News

Dieses Erlebnis des Eskapismus gab ihnen ein behagliches Gefühl.« DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01948-y. DOI: 10.1177/13623613241275260.

Aug 29, 2024 View →
Dungeons and Dragons can help autistic people gain confidence ...
News

Autism, 2024; DOI: 10.1177/13623613241275260. Cite This Page: MLA; APA; Chicago. University of Plymouth. "Dungeons and Dragons can help autistic ...

Aug 28, 2024 View →
Dungeons and Dragons can help autistic people gain confidence ...
Reddit

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613241275260. From the linked article: Dungeons and Dragons can help autistic people gain ...

Aug 28, 2024 View →
Dungeons and Dragons helps autistic layers gain confidence
Blogs

Gray Atherton, Rhys Hathaway, et al., A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people. Autism. DOI: 10.1177/13623613241275260 ...

Aug 27, 2024 View →
Dungeons And Dragons, Otizmli Bireylere Sosyal Etkileşim İçin ...
Blogs

... 10.1177/13623613241275260. | Arşiv Bağlantısı. Tüm Reklamları Kapat. Evrim Ağacı'na her ay sadece 1 kahve ısmarlayarak destek olmak ister ...

Aug 27, 2024 View →
Dungeons and Dragons can help autistic people gain confidence ...
News

10.1177/13623613241275260. Method of Research. Experimental study. Subject of Research. People. Article Title. A critical hit: Dungeons and ...

Aug 27, 2024 View →
Almost landed links to be sorted 21 : r/smarter
Reddit

... 10.1177/13623613241275260. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/dungeons-and-dragons-can-help-autistic-people-gain-confidence-and-find-their ...

Apr 24, 2024 View →