What is The A Game?
The A Game is a new online community group supporting autistic young people aged 13-17 in the North East.
It is a safe and inclusive online space where members can connect with other autistic people to make friends, share experiences and find support.
We understand that being a neurodivergent teenager can come with its own set of challenges. We provide guidance, understanding and friendship by creating a sense of belonging in a community where you can express yourself authentically.
WHAT We Offer!
If you are a young person aged 13-17 (diagnosed, waiting for assessment or identify as autistic), we offer:
- Opportunities to connect and meet other autistic teens online and offline locally, through access to our 'invite only' Discord server.
- Sharing of up to date and relevant resources about autistic characteristics and co occurring conditions.
- Access to our private Minecraft server.
For more information check out our - TAG Offer & FAQs sections!
Why Join Us?
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive, safe and respectful environment for everyone.
TAG is a safe space where members can hang out and engage online. Whether it's sharing hobbies and interests, finding others to game with, having a rant or just joking around, we're committed to building a community where our young people can thrive.
We share information about neurodiversity and encourage understanding of self, positivity, empathy and kindness in our servers.
benefits of gaming & socialising with peers online
Social Interaction
Routine and Predictability
Communication Skills
Online games and safe online communities allow you to connect with peers in a controlled and often less overwhelming environment. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and foster friendships.
Communication Skills
Routine and Predictability
Communication Skills
Chat channels and games often require communication and coordination with teammates or group members. Chatting with people who communicate in a similar way reduces the need for masking.
Routine and Predictability
Routine and Predictability
Routine and Predictability
Many video games and regularly visited groups offer a safe, structured and predictable environment, which can be comforting when you like routine and dislike unpredictability.
Sensory Engagement
Sensory Engagement
Routine and Predictability
Some autistic people find comfort in the predictable and controllable sensory experiences offered by gaming. Some enjoy the reliability of access to social hubs in their own time. Being online also allows for the opportunity to freely stim without feeling self conscious.
Stress Relief
Sensory Engagement
Cognitive Skills
Gaming and socialising in an online community can serve as a coping mechanism for managing stress and anxiety. Immersion in games can provide a distraction from external stressors and help you relax. Having a space to discus regulation techniques, vent frustrations or find people who relate to your personal experiences can also help reduce stress.
Cognitive Skills
Sensory Engagement
Cognitive Skills
Many video games require problem-solving, strategic thinking and quick decision-making. Socialising with different people with differing viewpoints requires consideration, adaptability and empathy. Engaging in these activities (or watching others engage) can help build confidence, cognitive and social skills.
Therapeutic Experience
Interest-Based Engagement
Therapeutic Experience
Some video games can be relaxing and calming. These games may help emotional regulation and can directly impact mood & be a distraction. Information sharing about autism and co-occuring conditions can help make sense of things that are not often discussed. Shared experiences allow you to explore/accept who you are.
Inclusive Environment
Interest-Based Engagement
Therapeutic Experience
Online communities can be more inclusive and accepting, providing a space where individuals are valued for being themselves rather than being judged based on how they look, act or their differences. A community that cares and understands can be the place you ‘fit in’ without having to try.
Interest-Based Engagement
Interest-Based Engagement
Interest-Based Engagement
Autistic people often have intense interests in specific topics. An engaging outlet for individuals to explore and enjoy sharing their interests opens opportunities for finding others who share those interests or are interested in learning more about a topic.
Educational benefits
Educational benefits
Interest-Based Engagement
Some games incorporate educational elements. Many involve strategy, problem solving, understanding mechanics, coding, concentration, persistence, creativity, memory, languages, maths etc. This can be a motivating and enjoyable way to acquire new knowledge and skills often without realising.
#Note
Educational benefits
#Note
Individual preferences and sensitivities vary, so not all autistic people will have the same reactions to gaming and socialising online. Parents/carers and young people should ensure groups and/or games align with their preferences and needs.
Sometimes in multiplayer gaming environments people can be overwhelmed and we recommend having a break and taking time to regulate. Disagreement and misunderstanding happens and we would recommend being involved with communities that try to moderate members to help maintain positive connections.
