Online gaming offers risks and benefits to neurodivergent young people

Research from Roblox and Internet Matters found that playing video games brings both risks and benefits to neurodivergent young people, as they share advice for safer online gaming.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that over half (56 percent) of neurodivergent young people who experience difficulties at school say fitting in socially is their biggest challenge. But online, it’s a different story. 

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Research from Roblox and leading digital parenting organisation Internet Matters found nearly all (90 percent) neurodivergent young people surveyed aged 12 to 17 in the UK and USA regularly play online games, and many report that gaming helps them to socialise and find connection with others. However, the findings also highlight challenges: 1 in 5 (21 percent) said gaming can make them feel unhappy.

The research, conducted with neurodivergent young people found:

• Over half (51 percent) said online gaming helps them make friends
• Around 3 in 10 (31 percent) said it gives them a sense of community
• 42 percent said gaming helps them relax

While the study shows that the benefits of online gaming are often amplified for neurodivergent young people, it also revealed that challenges and potential risks can be too, with respondents reporting:

• 1 in 4 (27 percent) found the sensory aspect of gaming difficult
• 23 percent struggled with the accessibility of video games
• Only 2 in 5 (44 percent) know how to report upsetting content or users

While nearly two in three parents said that their neurodivergent child had learned important offline skills from gaming online, and three in five (59 percent) agreed their child had developed better communication skills through online gaming, many are seeking clearer guidance to help neurodivergent young people stay safe online. In fact, just under half (48 percent) of parents said they are unaware of, or did not intend to use parental controls. 

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Rachel Huggins, Chief Executive Officer, Internet Matters, said that in order to help their kids maximise the benefits of gaming while managing the risks, parents and carers of neurodivergent young people need tailored support. 

“Our research shows that gaming is not just about entertainment – for many neurodivergent young people, it can offer a genuine space to connect, build confidence, and feel understood in ways that aren’t always accessible offline,” she explained. 

“But the study also highlights a clear need for tailored guidance to help neurodivergent young people and their families navigate online gaming in a safe and healthy way.

“With the right support, playing video games online can bring a real sense of community and belonging.”

With the study finding that 93 percent of neurodivergent young people play Roblox, the online gaming platform and Internet Matters have developed a practical guide to help support parents of neurodivergent kids.

Laura Higgins, Senior Director of Community Safety & Civility at Roblox, said that the research identified a clear knowledge gap.

“Online gaming can be an incredibly positive space for neurodivergent young people, but it’s not without its challenges”, she said. 

“This research found that there’s a real need for greater support to help young people and their families navigate online spaces safely and confidently.”

“That’s why we’ve worked together with Internet Matters to develop useful guidance, designed specifically for parents of neurodivergent young people, to help them enjoy the benefits of gaming while understanding and managing potential issues.”