What Wizard101 and Pirate101 Mean to My Family
During the holidays, we’re running a contest through our “12 Days of the Spiral“. The question is – what has Wizard101 or Pirate101 meant to you and/or your family in the past year? Today we have our third winner! Read about what KingsIsle games have meant to their family.
I started playing Wizard101 nearly six years ago. After playing for about six months, my then six year old autistic son started taking an interest in it. At first I thought he may not be quite old enough for it as at that time he would get scared very easily. He began just watching me play and one day ask if he could make a character. His first character he named “Reid Boom- Wraith”
He chose the Balance School.
At first he needed help with the combat, and sometimes just operating the mouse and the direction keys. Although I most certainly don’t want him to have an over abundance of computer time, I saw that he was able to focus for longer periods of time and not just while playing Wizard101. I feel that just finding an interest for him was key in reaching him. He loves to talk about the game, and WOW – he can recall details like you would never imagine.
When we heard Pirate101 was coming out we were both extremely excited. We have both been playing Pirate101 since the test realm came out. We love the companions, the ships, and all the other little surprises Pirate has to offer.
I was impressed with the detail that my son could recall with Wizard 101 but with Pirate101… Holy Cow! He can act out each and every companion’s moves, dialect, grunts and equipment use to perfection. He loves to quiz me as he acts out their moves.
I have a difficult time keeping them all straight as he has characters belonging to every school. Yikes!
I am so grateful to KingsIsle for creating games that families can play together, but more so due to the tremendous amount of progress my now 9 1/2 year old son has had with his focus and social skills due in part to your wonderful and detailed games. We now can play on separate computers, so we can help each other. My son has made a game out of leveling up before I do.
See, I like to do the side quests to level up and gain more gold and loot… but not my son. He feels that if he just does the main story line quests, the companion training quests and the quests where he acquires further companions he will win the leveling up game. We also have a “Who can gain the most Companions” contest. My son can now play on his own and handle most combat on his own.
Thank you for making such an impact on our family and more importantly on a young autistic boy whom a few years ago, could not carry on a conversation about anything.
Ruthless Olivia Morgan and Fearless Finnigan Cog
Level 56 Swashbuckler and Level 65 Privateer
KingsIsle Blog 
So happy for you and your son. Congratulations!
Thank.you so much. It was a total surprise.
In fact I just thought it would be a good opportunity to express my gratitude.
Nice Story 🙂
i am autistic myself. this story has been my favorite so far. 🙂
You totally deserved the crowns your story was amazing!
It is always a challenge to discover ways to reach autistic children but when you find those things, they shine like the brightest star. It would be amazing if the game would help your brother as well.
The challenge is the balance of screen time and real life at times.
All the Best to you and your brother!
Ruthless Olivia Morgan
Amazing story totally deserve the crowns
i know
That is just simply amazing!!!!! (just a side note) if you want to read/listen to an excellent book check out “The Horse Boy” it is about a father going on a journey to help his son through his autism. (really good book)
I have heard of the book but have not yet read it. ( It’s on my To Read List.)
Autism is indeed a journey which is very difficult at times, however the rewards touch your soul like one can’t imagine. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything!
These children are so very bright and truly special.
Best regards,
Ruthless Olivia Morgan
oh yes I know! my brother is autistic, and every movie he watches he loves to act out. he’s fifteen, and acts like it too! I never thought about how this game might effect people like him…maybe I should get him interested?
Wow I never thought pirate101 could bring people together so much. When me and my mom played wizard101 it was frustrating because of sunken city, however it seems to be a different case for pirate101.
good job! hope you enjoy those crowns! 🙂
you deserve these crowns. you had a great story
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am moved beyond words. The ordinary challenges of parenthood alone can be quite daunting. I can only imagine the obstacles you have encountered and the strategizing you have undertaken to meet those challenges. How wonderful that you have found this activity that allows the two of you to navigate—I choose the word deliberately!–a wonderful new world which he can master. My best wishes to you both, and happy sailing!
I am touched by your kind words. Indeed some days are a struggle being a sole parent but when we have a breakthrough, it is life changing. I feel so very grateful for my amazing son. He has taught me plenty as well. We were brought together for a reason and everyday is a blessing.
I can’t wait to see where this life takes him, as I know he will do something great. These children are extremely bright. They just look at the world in a different way. As a parent you just have to learn the language.
Best Regards,
Ruthless Olivia Morgan
I LOVE YOU KINGSISLE, WE ALL WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS! 😀
❤
your welcome. merry christmas
Reblogged this on livinginfaith75.
I LOVE ALL OF IT
cool!
this is kind of cool anyway i love it totally