Neurodiversity and Board Games: Creating Inclusive Gaming Experiences

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Gaming groups often assume everyone processes rules, social cues, and sensory input identically. They don't. Approximately 15-20% of the population is neurodiverse—brains that work differently from the statistical norm.

I've played with autistic friends who need explicit rule statements, ADHD players who require frequent breaks, dyslexic gamers who struggle with text-heavy cards, and dyspraxic players who find tiny components frustrating. Each person needs different things. All of them love gaming.

Inclusive gaming doesn't mean simplifying everything. It means thoughtful choices that enable everyone to participate fully.

Understanding Neurodiversity

What Neurodiversity Means

Neurodiversity recognises that neurological differences—autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others—are natural variations rather than deficits. These differences affect how people:

• Process sensory information
• Focus and sustain attention
• Read and process written language
• Coordinate motor functions
• Interpret social cues
• Handle unpredictability

Important: Neurodivergent individuals aren't a monolith. Two autistic people may have completely different needs. Ask individuals rather than assuming based on diagnosis.

Common Neurotypes in Gaming Context

Autism Spectrum Condition: May affect social interaction, sensory processing, need for predictability, and literal interpretation of rules.

ADHD: May affect sustained attention, impulse control, working memory, and tolerance for waiting.

Dyslexia: May affect reading speed, text processing, and visual tracking.

Dyspraxia: May affect fine motor control, spatial awareness, and coordination with small components.

Dyscalculia: May affect numerical processing, scoring, and probability understanding.

Environmental Accommodations

The gaming space itself matters.

Sensory Considerations

Lighting:

• Avoid flickering lights
• Provide adjustable brightness
• Reduce glare on game components
• Consider natural light

Sound:

• Manage background noise
• Avoid sudden loud sounds
• Consider noise-cancelling headphone permission
• Reduce ambient music if requested

Space:

• Comfortable seating options
• Room to move
• Fidget tools available
• Quiet break space nearby

Time Flexibility

Breaks:

• Planned breaks in longer games
• Permission to step away
• Game states that can pause cleanly

Pacing:

• No rushing turns
• Patience with processing time
• Flexible session lengths

Ending:

• Clear stopping points
• Warning before session end
• No pressure to finish

Game Selection Principles

Some games create fewer barriers than others.

Clear Rule Structures

Helpful features:

• Consistent mechanics throughout
• Explicit rule statements
• Limited exceptions
• Logical flow

Challenging features:

• Rules that change mid-game
• Many exceptions to remember
• Ambiguous wording
• Implicit assumptions

Visual Design

Accessible:

• Clear iconography
• High contrast
• Distinct colour differences (colourblind consideration)
• Minimal text on components

Challenging:

• Tiny text
• Low contrast
• Colour-only differentiation
• Cluttered visual design

Reading Requirements

Low reading demand:

• Icon-based games
• Minimal card text
• Numbers rather than words
• Symbol matching

High reading demand:

• Text-heavy cards
• Complex written effects
• Flavour text that matters
• Rules on cards rather than player aids

Component Design

Accessible:

• Large components
• Sturdy pieces
• Distinct shapes
• Simple manipulation

Challenging:

• Tiny tokens
• Fragile pieces
• Complex assembly
• Precise placement required

Neurotype-Specific Considerations

Autism Spectrum

Common needs:

• Explicit rule explanations
• Predictable structure
• Sensory management
• Direct communication

Potentially challenging:

• Hidden traitor/deception games
• Implicit social rules
• Vague instructions
• Unpredictable changes

Helpful approaches:

• State rules completely before play
• Explain house rules explicitly
• Maintain consistent structure
• Avoid sarcasm in rule teaching

ADHD

Common needs:

• Engaging, high-stimulus games
• Frequent action
• Manageable turn lengths
• Movement opportunities

Potentially challenging:

• Long waits between turns
• Complex planning phases
• Extended downtime
• Games requiring sustained focus

Helpful approaches:

• Choose faster-paced games
• Schedule breaks
• Keep turns moving
• Allow standing/moving while playing

Dyslexia

Common needs:

• Minimal reading requirements
• Icon-based information
• Audio alternatives
• Processing time

Potentially challenging:

• Text-heavy cards
• Complex written rules
• Reading aloud requirements
• Time pressure on reading

Helpful approaches:

• Offer to read cards aloud
• Choose icon-based games
• Provide extra processing time
• Allow card text lookup

Dyspraxia

Common needs:

• Large components
• Simple manipulation
• Sturdy pieces
• Forgiving placement

Potentially challenging:

• Tiny tokens
• Precise dexterity
• Complex assembly
• Stacking games

Helpful approaches:

• Choose games with substantial components
• Avoid dexterity games
• Offer help with fiddly setup
• Use component organisers

Recommended Games

High Accessibility Across Neurotypes

Large tiles, simple rules, minimal text, satisfying tactile experience. Works for most neurotypes.

Clear iconography, peaceful theme, intuitive gameplay. Solo mode provides pressure-free practice.

Simple rules, consistent throughout, minimal reading. Map visibility helps spatial planners.

Short playtime, simple rules, no reading, clear visual matching.

Cooperative reduces social pressure, card icons clear, missions provide structure.

Games Requiring Caution

Not bad games—but may need accommodations:

Social deduction (Werewolf, The Resistance): Require lie detection and deception—challenging for those who process social cues literally.

Heavy reading (Arkham Horror LCG): Extensive card text creates barriers for dyslexic players.

Dexterity (Jenga, Rhino Hero): Require fine motor control—challenging for dyspraxic players.

Long games (Twilight Imperium): Extended sessions without natural breaks—challenging for ADHD and sensory-sensitive players.

Social Accommodations

Explicit Communication

Instead of implicit: "You know how it goes" Try explicit: "You draw a card, then choose one to play"

Instead of assuming: "Obviously you'd want to..." Try asking: "What would you prefer?"

Flexible Participation

Not everyone processes social interaction identically:

• Allow players to take turns differently
• Accept silence as valid participation
• Don't require eye contact
• Allow stimming without comment

Competitive Pressure Management

Some neurotypes struggle with competition:

• Choose cooperative games sometimes
• Avoid excessive celebration of wins
• De-emphasise rankings
• Focus on experience over outcome

Hosting Inclusive Game Nights

Before the Event

Ask about needs:

• "Any games that don't work for you?"
• "Sensory preferences I should know?"
• "Anything that would help you participate?"

Choose games thoughtfully:

• Select accessible options
• Prepare alternatives
• Have quiet activities available

During the Event

Set expectations:

• Explain schedule upfront
• Note break times
• Describe games before selection

Monitor and adjust:

• Watch for signs of overwhelm
• Offer breaks proactively
• Adapt plans if needed

After the Event

Gather feedback:

• "Did anything work especially well?"
• "Anything I should change next time?"
• "How was the experience overall?"

Teaching Games Inclusively

Preparation

• Know rules completely (no looking up during play)
• Prepare player aids
• Have examples ready
• Consider written rule summaries

Teaching Process

Ongoing Support

• Answer questions without judgement
• Repeat explanations as needed
• Offer written reference materials
• Don't assume understanding from silence

Game Modifications

Sometimes small changes improve accessibility significantly.

House Rules for Accessibility

Timer removal: Remove time pressure if it creates anxiety Reader cards: Designate someone to read for players who need it Open hands: Allow showing cards when helpful Turn reminders: Gentle prompts for attention issues

Component Modifications

Larger tokens: Replace small pieces with larger versions High contrast: Add coloured stickers for differentiation Colour coding: Add patterns for colourblind players Custom inserts: Organise components for easier handling

Alternative Formats

Digital adaptations: Board game apps often have accessibility features Print-and-play modifications: Custom create accessible components Large print cards: Some games offer or can create these

Resources and Community

Online Communities

• BoardGameGeek accessibility forums
• Neurodivergent gaming groups (Facebook, Discord)
• Reddit r/boardgames accessibility threads
• Game-specific accessibility discussions

Advocacy Organisations

• Meeple Like Us (accessibility analysis)
• Can I Play That? (disabled gaming community)
• AbleGamers (broader gaming accessibility)

Publisher Initiatives

Increasing number of publishers now:

• Provide colourblind accessibility
• Offer large-text versions
• Include accessibility notes
• Design with inclusion in mind

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ask about accessibility needs without being intrusive?

Simple question: "Anything I should know to make gaming more comfortable for you?" Let them share what they choose.

What if I get it wrong?

Apologise, learn, adjust. Most people appreciate genuine effort even when imperfect.

Are some games just not accessible?

Some games have inherent barriers that can't be fully removed. That's okay—plenty of games work well. Don't force unsuitable games.

Should I announce accommodations to the group?

Only if the person wants it. Some prefer private adjustments. Ask.

Can neurodiverse players still play competitive games?

Absolutely. Many neurodiverse people thrive in competitive gaming. The key is appropriate game selection and accommodations.

What if accommodations slow down the game for everyone?

Minor slowdowns are acceptable costs of inclusion. If accommodations are significant, consider different game choices rather than rushing.

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Final Thoughts

The gaming friend who taught me the most about inclusion is autistic. They needs rules stated explicitly, struggles with social deduction games, and requires low ambient noise. The team also the most strategic player I know, has introduced me to dozens of games, and makes every gaming session better.

Inclusive gaming isn't charity. It's recognising that diversity strengthens communities. Different brains bring different perspectives—and different perspectives create better gaming experiences.

Start with awareness. Ask about needs. Choose thoughtfully. Adjust as you learn. Most accommodations are minor, and the benefits—for everyone—are substantial.

The table has room for every kind of mind. We just need to arrange the chairs differently.

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The Smoothie Wars Content Team creates educational gaming content. The team advocates for inclusive gaming practices and has learned that asking "what do you need?" is always better than assuming.