My role involves observing gameplay sessions of the popular table top role playing game Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). Focusing on how participants engage with different aspects of the experience—like character creation, storytelling, and communication. Finally, contributing to a report that highlights the areas most promising for future research.

Why This Matters & What Inspires Me:
This research matters because it challenges neurotypical assumptions about play, communication, and imagination. It seeks to spotlight the unique strengths, creativity, and perspectives of neurodiverse young people—providing space for them not just to be included, but to thrive on their own terms.

Through my work as a support worker at the charity Enhanceable, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering the right environment can be for autistic young people. Experiences that embrace structure, creativity, and shared storytelling—like those offered through tabletop role-playing—can help unlock expression, build confidence, and foster meaningful connection.

What inspires me most is the potential for this research to shape both understanding and action: to inform future academic work while also paving the way for practical, joyful interventions. It’s deeply motivating to be part of a project that brings together my passions and contributes to building spaces where neurodiverse voices are not just accommodated, but truly valued.