Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons are low-pressure, social scaffolds perfect for teens who are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent.

As a diversional therapist, Michael Thorburn thinks in outcomes: short-term goals (turn-taking, eye contact substitutes like token passing), medium goals (maintaining a 90-minute session), and long-term goals (friendship formation and community participation).

D&D and similar systems give structure — rules, clear turn order, predictable frameworks — which many autistic teens find calming, he says.

Recent studies show TTRPGs can create safe spaces for autistic adults to practise social cognition and relationship skills, and they translate well to teen programs when facilitators scaffold expectations.

Use simple systems at first: Monster of the Week or Fate Core for story focus; or one-shot modules built around cooperative problem solving.

Digital tablets, virtual character sheets, and platforms like Roll20 or Arkenforge can reduce fine-motor barriers and let remote teens join without sensory overload from a crowded room — Michael is pro-online here, and says you should be too, as it supports continuity and geographic reach.

Popular mechanics people gravitate to are listed on BoardGameGeek; players often use those listings to find crossover games to play in-between sessions.

Practical tip: set explicit social warmups (two-minute check-in, one thing they’re proud of) and use role-play scripts to rehearse tricky interactions.

You can track progress as a therapist would: frequency of voluntary social initiations, minutes engaged, and number of outside-session contacts made.

This creates measurable steps toward social inclusion and lifelong hobby membership.

Bear in mind, Michael also says, appearing like a therapist can be detrimental to those you are playing with.

Above all be subtle, passive and discrete.

Ask us about how we can build a social circle in a lifelong hobby for you or the person in your care regardless of age or ability. If we can’t personally deliver a program for you, we will refer you to someone who can regardless of location in Australia.