Why
Many Autistic people want meaningful connection with others but may face barriers in everyday social spaces. Video games and tabletop games may offer different ways to connect, socialise and build friendships.
By asking Autistic adults about their gaming experiences and feelings of connection, we hope to understand whether different types of gaming are linked with loneliness or a sense of belonging. This may help guide future research and support activities that use shared interests, like gaming, to support social wellbeing in Autistic communities.
How does gaming relate to feelings of loneliness and social connection in Autistic adults?
Who can take part?
You are invited to take part if you:
- are Autistic (formally diagnosed or self-identified)
- are aged 18 years or older
- have played video games and/or tabletop games in the past three months
- live in Australia.
What does taking part involve?
- A ~20 minute anonymous online survey
- Questions about gaming experiences and feelings of connection
- Optional open-text questions
- You can skip any question or stop at any time
- No identifying information is collected
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Making a difference
By sharing your experiences, you can help improve understanding of how gaming relates to loneliness and social connection in Autistic adults. This may assist researchers and organisations to better understand ways that shared interests, such as gaming, can support connection and social wellbeing in Autistic communities.
Research team
- Dr Chris Edwards: Griffith University and ARCAP
- Dr Abigail Love: ARCAP
- Dr Ru Ying Cai: ARCAP
- Dr Vicki Gibbs: ARCAP
- Megan Walsh: ARCAP
- Jess Rowlings: Next Level Collaboration and The University of Melbourne
- A/Prof Matthew Harrison: The University of Melbourne and Next Level Collaboration
Started
2026
Ends
2026
Funding
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)
Ethics approval
Griffith University Ref No: 2026/0185
