How Board Games Are Helping Autistic Folks Build Social Skills and Relationships
In the world of board games, fun and strategy often take center stage.
But for those with high-functioning autism, these games offer much more than just entertainment—they provide a structured, predictable, and low-pressure way to connect with others.
A series of recent studies highlights how board games, like Dixit and Werewolf, are becoming important tools for helping people on the autism spectrum develop social skills, manage anxiety, and build relationships.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with challenges in social communication and interaction.
Many folks with autism struggle with interpreting social cues, maintaining conversations, and navigating the unpredictability of human relationships.
But board games are emerging as a powerful way to ease these challenges, offering a structured and enjoyable environment for social interaction.
How Board Games Offer Structure and Predictability for Autistic Players
One of the key reasons board games are particularly attractive to folks with autism is the structure they provide.
Unlike everyday social interactions, which can be chaotic and full of unwritten rules, board games come with clear objectives, rules, and turns. This sense of predictability helps reduce the anxiety and uncertainty often associated with socializing.
As Dr. Gray Atherton, one of the lead researchers in these studies, explains, “Board games provide a safe space where social rules are clearly defined, allowing autistic individuals to engage without the fear of misinterpreting social cues. The structure of games like Dixit and Werewolf gives players a framework in which to interact, making social engagement more manageable and enjoyable.”
In games like Dixit, players look at dreamlike, illustrated cards and create vague descriptions of the images.
The challenge for other players is to guess which image the description matches. This not only allows for creative expression but also encourages social engagement in a controlled environment.
Similarly, Werewolf involves players taking on different roles and attempting to figure out who the hidden “werewolves” are among them—a game that requires social deduction and communication, both of which can be beneficial for those with autism.
The Appeal of Strategy and Social Games to Autistic Folks
It’s no coincidence that board games attract a higher percentage of folks with high-functioning autism.
In fact, a survey of 1,600 board gamers worldwide found that 7% of respondents were diagnosed with autism, while 30% displayed high levels of autistic traits.
Given that autism occurs in approximately 1% of the general population, these numbers indicate that autistic folks are disproportionately drawn to board gaming.
What’s driving this attraction?
It seems that the combination of structured play and social interaction hits a sweet spot for many autistic players. Games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic offer a balance of strategy and social engagement, providing an opportunity for players to develop problem-solving skills while interacting with others in a way that feels safe and predictable.
Research suggests that structured activities, like board games, help autistic folks feel more comfortable in social settings.
According to a study by Bishop et al. (2014), structured play settings can significantly reduce social anxiety and improve social competence in children with autism. Board games offer a natural setting for this kind of structured interaction, where players know exactly what’s expected of them, reducing the uncertainty that can make socializing stressful.
How Board Games Foster Social Skills and Independence
Beyond just offering a comfortable space for social interaction, board games are proving to be a valuable tool for developing important life skills.
Over a two-year period, researchers introduced weekly board gaming sessions to both autistic children in a special educational needs school and autistic adults.
The results were impressive: participants not only developed social skills but also showed greater independence and a stronger sense of community.
Dr. Liam Cross, a researcher involved in the study, explains that “hobbyist” board gaming is more than the occasional family game night. “When we talk about hobbyist board gaming, we mean the kind of games that people play regularly at board game cafés or meetups—these are more complex, strategic games that offer deeper engagement.”
For autistic players, this kind of deep engagement can be incredibly beneficial. Playing complex games that require planning, cooperation, and communication helps folks practice skills they can carry into their everyday lives. It also fosters a sense of belonging, as participants often form friendships and communities around shared gaming experiences.
A study by Parsons and Mitchell (2002) also found that structured group activities, such as board games, helped increase social competence in autistic folks. The study concluded that structured social play helps reduce anxiety and promotes positive social interactions, which are critical for building independence.
The Therapeutic Potential of Board Games for Autistic Players
The social benefits of board games for autistic folks extend beyond simple engagement.
According to Atherton, the social interaction embedded in gameplay allows players to practice and improve their theory of mind—the ability to understand what others are thinking and feeling.
This is a skill that many people on the autism spectrum struggle with, but board games offer a safe, controlled environment in which to develop it.
Additionally, the repetitive nature of certain games, combined with the need to think ahead and strategize, helps reinforce cognitive skills.
Studies have shown that games like Catan and Pandemic can improve executive function, problem-solving, and critical thinking—skills that are often areas of difficulty for those with autism (Sullivan et al., 2014).
Perhaps even more importantly, board games provide a way for those with autism to experience positive social interactions in a setting where they feel comfortable and in control. This can significantly improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of social isolation, both of which are common issues for those on the spectrum.
Expanding Access to Board Games for Autistic Folks
As board games grow in popularity, there’s a movement within the gaming community to make these experiences even more accessible to those with autism.
This includes adapting games to better suit the needs of autistic players, whether by simplifying rules, offering visual aids, or creating more inclusive gaming environments.
The researchers behind these studies have been actively working with game developers and the wider gaming community to promote these adaptations. Atherton explains, “We’re using our research to adapt existing games and develop new ones that are even more accessible for people with autism. It’s an exciting time for board gaming and autism support, and we’re thrilled to be part of this growing field.”
In fact, the team recently presented their findings at a board gaming conference in Canada, where they discussed ways to enhance gameplay for autistic players.
As more game designers and educators recognize the therapeutic potential of board games, the opportunities for expanding this form of structured play continue to grow.
The Future of Board Games and Autism Support
Board games are proving to be a valuable tool not only for social interaction but also for developing important life skills in players with autism.
As the field of research around autism and gaming continues to expand, the hope is that more people will have access to these opportunities for growth, community, and independence.
With structured fun, a welcoming environment, and countless games to explore, board gaming could be the next frontier in autism support.
Whether through strategic games like Catan or social deduction games like Werewolf, autistic individuals are finding new ways to connect, learn, and thrive.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Atherton, G. R., Cross, L., et al. (2024). Board games as a social tool for individuals with autism. American Journal of Play.
Bishop, S. L., Richler, J., Cain, A. C., & Lord, C. (2014). Predictors of perceived negative impact in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 119(1), 17-30.
Parsons, S., & Mitchell, P. (2002). The potential of virtual reality in social skills training for people with autistic spectrum disorders. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 46(5), 430-443.
Sullivan, F., Hingston, A., & Hoffman, M. (2014). Developing social competence through collaborative play: The use of board games in therapeutic interventions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47(3), 593-603.