There is an estimated 15-20% of Australians being neurodivergent, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that over half (56%) of neurodivergent young people who experience difficulties at school say fitting in socially is their biggest challenge. Tuesday 16 June 2026 is Neurodiversity Pride Day.
But online, it’s a different story.
Research from Roblox and leading digital parenting organisation Internet Matters found nearly all (90%) neurodivergent young people 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%) say gaming can make them feel unhappy.
The research, conducted with neurodivergent young people aged 11-17, found:
- Over half (51%) said online gaming helps them make friends
- Around 3 in 10 (31%) said it gives them a sense of community
- 42% 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%) found the sensory aspect of gaming difficult
- 23% struggled with the accessibility of video games
- Only 2 in 5 (44%) 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%) 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%) of parents said they are unaware of, or did not intend to use parental controls.
Rachel Huggins, Chief Executive Officer, Internet Matters, believes 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 explains.
“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% 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, says 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.”
With Neurodiversity Pride Day celebrated on June 16, it’s a great moment to start a conversation with a neurodivergent young person at home. Top tips for parents and carers include:
Set clear boundaries while gaming
Structure and predictability can make a big difference for neurodivergent young people by reducing overwhelm, fatigue, and frustration.
- Agree on gaming time limits and incorporate regular breaks.
- Use visual schedules or timers to help make expectations clear.
- Create a routine around when and where gaming happens (e.g., after homework). Where possible, display agreed rules somewhere they usually use devices at home, to remind them.
Keep conversations honest and open
Have regular, judgment-free check-ins to help neurodivergent young people feel safe sharing both positive and negative experiences.
- Check in on who young people are playing with.
- Ask them to show you their favourite platforms and set time aside to play together.
- Ask simple, open-ended questions like: “How did that game make you feel?”
Support confidence in online interactions
While for many neurodivergent young people, gaming can be a powerful way to build communication skills, some may need extra support navigating social cues.
- Openly discuss what positive and respectful online behaviour looks like, and consider writing and displaying these behaviours in the home as a visual reminder.
- Role-play scenarios to help practise responses
- Reinforce that it’s ok to leave a game if something doesn’t feel right.
Build digital safety skills together
The goal is to help neurodivergent young people recognise the risks themselves, building independence and confidence over time.
- Discuss what personal information looks like and what they can do to keep it private.
- Together, create a list of red flag behaviours (such as trying to take the conversation off-platform) and talk about when and how to report and block users.
- Read through safety resources together and guide them through advice, such as how to spot scams or interact safely with others.
Combine parental controls with regular check-ins
Technology can help set boundaries for neurodivergent young people who enjoy online gaming, but it works best when paired with active involvement and regular check-ins by parents.
- Use parental control tools to manage things like screen time and spending.
- Adjust settings over time as confidence and skills build.
- Stay involved by understanding the platforms and games they interact with.
*Research conducted in Sep/Oct 2023 with neurodivergent children aged 12-17 and their families in the UK and US.
A comprehensive series of advice and guidance for parents of neurodivergent young gamers can be found HERE.
