After finishing our year-long Pathfinder dark fantasy homebrew campaign “Out of Darkness, Comes the Light”, our in-person, greensborough based 18+ group are jumping into something completely different, and much lighter, and we’re opening a few … Read more
It still surprises people when I tell them there are real jobs in gaming — not just in the tech or entertainment world, but in health and education too. We’re starting to see positions pop … Read more
Went to a client’s (age 10) house today for DND where we co-dm. Proud moment when said client pulled out the packaging boxes they have been collecting for terrain in our campaign. Positive gaming isn’t … Read more
Along with my pal, Dan the Game Master, I’ll be at PAX Australia this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) working with Young Adventurers League. I’ll be running Dungeons and Dragons games for kids 10 and under. … Read more
Would you like your autistic children to be involved in a lifelong hobby? One where they can walk into any game store for the rest of their life and become the centre of their own … Read more
Looking for a safe, creative and social activity for your autistic child these school holidays? You’ve laughed at the movie – now play the game! Try AV’s Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying games! You can email … Read more
EOI: Free game of Dungeons and Dragons in Reservoir area. Mid teens. Acceptance of neurodivergent folks integral. More details to come, pls DM me as well as comment.
Through story and teamwork, games like Dungeons & Dragons help players explore emotions, build problem-solving skills, and find new perspectives on life’s challenges. Therapists across Australia — including those offering NDIS-funded supports — use structured … Read more
A simple stopwatch, introduced then set aside, gives the sense of fair rules and illusion of even time, helping participants feel secure. These foundations support confidence and help with acquiring of the skills to join … Read more
Halfway up, they were confronted by glimmers of themselves — fragments from across time — asking pointed questions. If a question was not answered truthfully, the target suffered 1d4 psychic damage. Players took on the … Read more
Social isolation is a growing concern, particularly in regional Australia and among people living with disability. Tabletop roleplaying games offer a structured yet flexible way to reconnect with others. Playing D&D encourages teamwork, laughter, and … Read more
I’ve got 3 games of Lost Mine of Phandelver at various times listed on www.startplaying.games/gm/gametherapy These are not therapy sessions, I’m testing the platform to help my clients get paid work. #amateurdmwhogetspaid StartPlaying Games is … Read more
I’m adding locations, programs, businesses etc that offer TTRPG ((like Dungeons and Dragons) and boardgame events to my website I have a neat geodirectory function where folks can search for game spaces near them. If … Read more
The game’s mix of storytelling, decision-making, and problem-solving keeps attention engaged while promoting executive functioning skills. Therapists and educators across Australia have noted improvements in attention, impulse control, and cooperative behaviour among participants who regularly … Read more
For individuals living with early-onset dementia, tabletop roleplaying games offer mental stimulation and meaningful social connection. In Australia, some aged care and community programs are exploring RPGs as cognitive therapy tools. Storytelling requires participants to … Read more
They promote cognitive exercise, communication, and social engagement in a fun, low-pressure environment. Australian occupational therapists and support workers have found tabletop RPGs useful for rebuilding language and executive function. Players must remember rules, describe … Read more
Roleplaying games offer a unique form of social and emotional support for veterans. In Australia, veteran-focused programs and RSL groups have started to use tabletop RPGs to help former service members reconnect, manage stress, and … Read more
DND offers a creative outlet where players can rebuild confidence, trust, and communication skills in a supportive group setting. Australian recovery centres and support programs are beginning to include tabletop RPGs as part of holistic … Read more
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 … Read more
In D&D, chance (rolling dice) exists, but it’s framed within teamwork and narrative, not financial stakes. Therapeutic game programs in Australia and abroad use RPGs to help participants reconnect socially while managing urges related to … Read more
Cerebral Palsy can range from mild to complex, but every form influences how a person interacts with physical space. Roleplaying games can offer a stunning escape from physical limitation. Players lead stories through imagination: describing … Read more
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) & Purposeful Game Play Tabletop games and online gaming have shown real promise in this domain. Research indicates older adults trained with video games improved cognitive functions and mood. Pick games … Read more
Abstract (link to paper at end of article) Purpose The present study aimed to investigate how prior research of TTRPG revealed the benefits of TTRPG as a psychological intervention and how further studies can overcome … Read more
Schizophrenia can deeply affect social engagement and self-confidence. Tabletop roleplaying games provide structure within creativity—rules that give safety and stories that allow exploration. A person can channel imagination into shared narratives without judgment, working gently … Read more
Though not a single disease, the issue of social isolation and loneliness in older adults is a major health concern — linked to higher morbidity, depression and cognitive decline. Diversional therapy teaches that structured leisure … Read more
Arthritis & Cooperative Tabletop Sessions Diversional therapy means choosing recreation that accommodates those limitations while still fostering social involvement and fun. Cooperative board games and online play are excellent. Choose games with low dexterity demand: … Read more
Abstract (link to paper at end of article)Tabletop gaming has seen a rise in popularity over the past ten years, with an influx ofinterest following the Coronavirus pandemic. Limited research has explored the impact of … Read more
In “A critical hit: Dungeons & Dragons as a buff for autistic people”, Atherton and colleagues explore how tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be a positive space for autistic adults. … Read more
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) isn’t the same as ADHD, though it often overlaps. Many with SCT feel foggy or left behind in fast-paced environments. Roleplaying games slow the world to a manageable rhythm. Players take … Read more
Age-Related Macular Degeneration & Inclusive Game Play Diversional therapy invites us to think adaptively: can the game be matched to their abilities, can online play reduce physical barriers, can we build social connection anyway? The … Read more
Abstract (link to paper at end of article) Background: The area of social skills is broad, in theory and in practice. For social skills training, various clinical practices have been applied in group sessions, as have … Read more
Auditory Processing Disorder and background noise can turn conversations into confusion, affecting learning and friendships. Tabletop roleplaying games offer a quieter, more focused social space. With structured turns and visible cues, players aren’t bombarded by … Read more
Bipolar disorder involves shifts between depressive and manic (or hypomanic) moods. These mood cycles can affect energy, concentration, and relationships — but creativity and empathy often shine through. Sometimes you’re “on,” sometimes you’re out. When … Read more
With age comes increased risk of Osteoporosis, fractures and reduced mobility. Diversional therapy emphasises safe, accessible recreation that promotes cognitive engagement and social connection (which in turn supports compliance and mood). Board games and online … Read more
In “Defeating Dragons and Demons: Consumers’ Perspectives on Mental Health Recovery in Role-Playing Games” by Causo & Quinlan, the authors explore how tabletop RPGs—specifically Dungeons & Dragons—can play a meaningful role in mental-health recovery. Through … Read more
Social anxiety turns every group activity into a potential source of stress. Speaking up, making friends, and trying new things can feel impossible. Roleplaying games flip the dynamic; you aren’t yourself, you’re a character. That … Read more
In roleplaying games, people with autism can explore scenarios at their own pace, test social scripts, and develop empathy—all without real-life risk. Characters can be anyone, do anything. Social dynamics are gentler because they’re imaginative. … Read more
For teens seeking belonging, this continuity matters more than a single session. From a therapeutic perspective, campaign play supports social role development, responsibility (story-keeping, calendar management), and intersession socialising. BoardGameGeek community lists often track campaign … Read more
In the review titled “A Scoping Review of Tabletop Role‑Playing Game (TTRPG) as Psychological Intervention: Potential Benefits and Future Directions”, Yuliawati, Wardhani & Ng dig into how games like tabletop role‑playing games (TTRPGs) — think systems … Read more
Sitting still isn’t always possible, and listening for long stretches can be tough. Roleplaying games make attention fun. Adventures fuel engagement; turns structure participation. Creative thinking and problem-solving become superpowers, not obstacles. For online play, … Read more
Over time, mobility can be severely limited with Muscular Dystrophy, but creativity and social spirit remain strong. Story-based games let everyone join equally. Imagination moves faster than muscles, and narrative play means physical differences don’t … Read more
People with Down Syndrome have unique strengths, personalities, and learning styles. Story based games encourage everyone to contribute. Rules can be customized, and stories tailored to suit learning preferences. There are no right or wrong … Read more
Teens recovering from stroke may have limited stamina or divided attention; short, goal-oriented game formats work best. I recommend micro-sessions (30–45 minutes) with games that have clear, discrete turns and low cognitive switching costs — … Read more
Stroke recovery is a journey—sometimes tough, sometimes rewarding. Tabletop games can stimulate recollection and conversation. Stories prompt speech, while dice and tokens gently challenge dexterity and logic without pressure. Online sessions allow survivors to join … Read more
After a stroke, older adults often face mobility limitations, fatigue, fine motor or cognitive-processing changes. Recreational therapy emphasises meaningful leisure to rebuild social participation, sense of agency and connection. Tabletop gaming — and particularly online … Read more
When one suffers from PTSD, social spaces can be hard to navigate. Roleplaying games give structure and control. Storytelling allows for rehearsal of coping skills and safe exposure to imaginary challenges. It’s a way to … Read more
As a recreational therapist I translate leisure interest into clinical goals: increased social participation, improved self-efficacy, and community inclusion. Board games and TTRPGs are excellent vehicles for those aims — they’re measurable (attendance, turns taken), … Read more
Living with Parkinson’s can feel isolating. Tabletop games re-focus attention on shared goals. Moving game pieces, rolling dice, and storytelling can help maintain fine motor skills. Group play is a reason to get together, breaking … Read more
Carers and parents are pivotal in connecting teens to hobby communities. Start by mapping interests (RPGs, minis, strategy), checking BoardGameGeek to find locally popular titles, and choosing initial formats (one-shot RPG nights, cooperative board games). … Read more
Roleplaying games offer small, attainable goals. Joining a game doesn’t always require much energy, but little wins—solving a puzzle, saving a friend—give a boost. Play is flexible; participation adapts to mood. Remote play is a … Read more
Narrative games require imagination, not perfect eyesight. Group story means talking, listening, and visualizing rather than reading lengthy rules. Adaptations—like large-print sheets, audio aids—let everyone keep up. Online gaming allows custom screen setups—high contrast, magnification, … Read more
Epilepsy causes seizures, which can be unpredictable. Stigma, safety, and focus issues challenge participation in traditional activities. Narrative role-playing breaks the mold. Sessions can pause for safety; stories continue where they left off. The social … Read more
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) creates periods of fatigue, weakness, and unpredictable symptoms. Energy and movement can vary daily. Tabletop roleplaying is energy-friendly. Participation is flexible, and social connection grows regardless of physical skill. When fatigue hits, … Read more
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) makes even simple situations stressful. Worry and tension can affect every part of life. Roleplaying games allow practice in handling stress, but within a playful and planned setting. Story prompts can … Read more
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) brings persistent thoughts and urges—habits that can interfere with daily life. Tabletop games bring structured challenge; routines and rituals can be safely explored and practiced through story. Game rules reward order … Read more
Sensory Processing Disorder means the brain has trouble dealing with everyday sights, sounds, smells, or movement. Crowds, bright lights, and noise can feel overwhelming. Narrative games cater to comfort. Play happens in controlled environments, and … Read more
Aphasia is difficulty with language after a brain injury or stroke. Speaking, reading, or writing can be hard, but meaning and intelligence are as strong as ever. Tabletop storytelling lets players use gestures, pictures, and … Read more
Tabletop roleplay creates safe challenges. Children (and grown-ups) control their stories and practice new endings. Group sessions validate experience, promote gentle teamwork, and transform threat into opportunity. Online options mean children join at their pace, … Read more
Intellectual disability covers a range of functioning. Learning, problem-solving, and social interaction can all require tailored approaches. Roleplaying games can be adapted for any skill level: simplified rules, visual aids, and assisted storytelling support participation. … Read more
Introducing older adults to new games can be both rewarding and challenging. Games offer cognitive stimulation, social connection, and emotional engagement, but initial hesitation is common. Many seniors may feel unsure about learning unfamiliar rules, … Read more
Learning to play new games can be daunting for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for individuals with health issues, whether physical, cognitive, or emotional. Reticence — a reluctance to participate due to fear … Read more