Research on Online Gaming, Loneliness, and Friendships in People with ASD

A study published in Computers in Human Behavior investigated the connections between online gaming, friendships, and loneliness among teenagers and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to a control group.

It looked at how reasons for gaming, time spent playing, and the number and quality of friendships affected loneliness. As expected, people with ASD reported having fewer and weaker friendships and feeling lonelier than those without ASD.

The findings revealed that individuals with ASD played online games significantly more often than the control group and were more likely to use gaming as an escape from reality.

Interestingly, those with ASD who played online games had more friends than those who didn’t, though the quality of these friendships did not differ significantly. Another important finding was that those who played less than one hour of online games per day experienced less loneliness than those who played more.

Gaming cannot completely solve social challenges, but it may give people with ASD a helpful way to connect with others and feel less alone.

Understanding the Research

Based on earlier studies, researchers understand that people with ASD have fewer friends, lower-quality friendships, and feel lonelier than those without ASD.

But since gaming helps people make friends in general, they expect that people with ASD who play online games may have more friends, better-quality friendships, and lower levels of loneliness than their non-gaming peers with ASD.

This particular study involved 151 participants from Sweden, ranging in age from 14 to 69 years old. Participants completed online questionnaires that included demographic questions, gaming habits, and standardized tools to measure loneliness and friendship quality.

Key variables were measured using well-known tools. 

The MOGQ looked at reasons for gaming, the ULS-8 measured feelings of loneliness, and the URCS checked the quality of friendships. Tests like t-tests and ANOVAs were used to study the connections between gaming, friendships, and loneliness. Adjustments were made to make sure the results were accurate.

These were the specific findings of the study:

Most participants from both the ASD and control groups reported playing online games. However, individuals with ASD spent significantly more time on online gaming.

Among participants with ASD, the primary motive for gaming was escaping reality. 

Participants with ASD reported significantly higher levels of loneliness than their neurotypical counterparts.

• Notably, those who gamed for less than one hour per day had the lowest loneliness scores compared to groups that gamed for 2-3 or 3-5 hours daily.
• Those who gamed for more than 5 hours per day reported levels of loneliness comparable to those who never played. 

40.5% of ASD gamers indicated meeting a close friend through gaming, which is an important finding given the limited social opportunities for individuals with ASD.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers 

Online gaming offers individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a unique way to connect with others, build friendships, and reduce loneliness. However, as the study shows, balance is key.

Here are actionable tips for parents and caregivers:

Establish predictable gaming schedules

Children and teens with ASD thrive with structure and routine. Set clear and consistent limits on gaming time, such as one hour per day or specific gaming times after school.

It can be helpful to use visual schedules or timers to help them understand and stick to these boundaries.

Look for games that promote collaboration and social skills

These games can be great for people with autism. They are a low-pressure way to practice turn-taking, perspective-taking, and problem-solving.

However, it’s important to help your child or teen balance gaming with other social opportunities. For example, you could encourage them to participate in hobby-based clubs or have in-person meetups with other gamers.

Approach their escapism with empathy

Escapism in people with ASD often comes from challenges like sensory overload and their difficulties with social interactions. Since online gaming lets them escape stress and enjoy their interests, they consider it a “safe haven” where they can retreat from their stressors.

As a parent or caregiver, take time to understand their underlying reasons. Talk to them about what they’re feeling when they choose to game and validate their experiences.

Seek therapy options that specialize in ASD

Therapies for children and teens with ASD help with their specific challenges, like trouble communicating, being sensitive to certain sounds or textures, managing emotions, and making friends.

CBT or ABA therapists who work with kids with ASD can help reduce anxiety, improve communication, and teach skills that will benefit them later in life.

The paper also suggests that online games may be used as a tool for social skills training in individuals with ASD, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Check out our Social Skills Worksheets to help your child or teen improve their communication and build stronger relationships, and our Coping Skills Worksheets to manage emotions.