New D&D Game Helps Autistic Kids Build Social Skills

For Morgan Avery, growing up neurodivergent in rural Australia meant struggling to connect with peers and navigate social situations. That changed when they discovered Dungeons and Dragons, a game that gave them a safe space to express themselves without judgment.

Now, a simplified version of the beloved tabletop game is bringing those same benefits to neurodivergent children across Australia. Dragons of the Spectrum (DOTS) strips away the complex rules of traditional D&D while keeping the collaborative storytelling and teamwork that make the game special.

Adelaide psychologist Will Ellison created DOTS specifically for children aged 10 and up who need support building social confidence. The program puts kids in dynamic situations where they practice working together, solving problems, and connecting with peers in a structured environment.

The results speak for themselves. Ellison's initial research in 2021 showed kids who completed the 10-week program demonstrated higher improvements in pro-social behavior and resilience compared to those who didn't participate. His ongoing studies with larger groups show even stronger gains in social skills, awareness, and emotional regulation.

Why This Inspires

DOTS does something remarkable. It takes what many see as just a game and transforms it into a bridge for children who often feel isolated. For neurodivergent kids in remote communities especially, finding safe social outlets can feel impossible.

The program gives them more than just improved skills. It opens doors to ongoing friendships and social connections through D&D groups at libraries and schools. Kids who might have struggled to find their people now have a pathway to lasting community.

Morgan Avery, now 29, sees their younger self in every child who discovers the game. "It gives me the opportunity to have that freedom of expression without the fear of being judged," they said. "It really lets my creativity flow out in an environment that feels safe and comfortable."

This year marks a major expansion. More than two dozen facilitators trained with Ellison in 2024 are now bringing DOTS to communities across Australia, from the Gold Coast to Broken Hill. Social worker Jim Richards jumped at the chance to bring the program to his remote region in far west New South Wales.

Richards, already a D&D enthusiast, appreciates that DOTS offers evidence-based results parents and schools can trust. He's also running introductory workshops in some of the most isolated communities, ensuring geography doesn't limit access to this life-changing program.

Ellison plans to publish his complete research findings later this year, cementing DOTS as a unique approach to social development for neurodivergent youth.