In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela dive into the world of board games—a structured, sensory-rich hobby beloved in the autistic community. With research showing that 7% of autistic people enjoy board games (compared to just 1% of neurotypicals), it’s no wonder they hold such a special place in our culture.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Why board games resonate with autistic players – The draw of clear rules, predictable structure, and logical systems.
• Social connection through play – How board games reduce pressure, foster comfort, and create a shared focus.
• Autism-affirming skill building – Turn-taking, collaboration, communication, and fairness through structured interaction.
• SPINs & monotropic focus – How games align with special interests to boost emotional regulation.
• Sensory joy – Why the tactile, “stim-tastic” aspects of board games can be soothing and engaging.
• Healthy focus vs. catastrophizing – How pattern recognition in games offers a positive outlet for autistic brains.

Resources:

• Autism and Board Games – 🔗 Game in Lab Presentation
• Board Gaming on the Spectrum – 🔗 Liam Cross Talk
• Psychology Today – 🔗 How Games Can Help Autistic Children
• PubMed – 🔗 Board Games and Autism Study

Related Shows:

Chess is Autistic

Careers are Autistic

Pokemon is Autistic

Parks and Rec is Autistic

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🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.

🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.

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