Celebrating Autism Awareness Month at KingsIsle: Autism in the Gaming Industry
As we approach the end of April, which is recognized as Autism Awareness Month, we want to take a moment to celebrate and amplify the voices of our autistic team members who have generously shared their personal journeys. Through their stories, we hope to deepen awareness of both the challenges and the strengths that come with being autistic while working in the gaming industry and celebrate the incredible value that neurodiversity brings to our creative teams. Stay tuned tomorrow for a follow-up post on navigating autism from player perspectives!
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. But it also comes with incredible strengths like attention to detail, deep focus, strong memory, and more. No two people on the Autism spectrum are the same.
In this special Autism Awareness Month feature, we’re thrilled to highlight Julianna Valle, an Associate Marketing Producer at KingsIsle Entertainment, and a lifelong Wizard101 player with a deep, personal connection to the game. She shares her journey from devoted player to game industry professional, and how her autism has shaped both her career and her relationship with gaming.
What is your role at KingsIsle, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am an Associate Marketing Producer at KingsIsle Entertainment, which means I help manage timelines, support our marketing promotions, and act as a liaison between Marketing and other departments. What I enjoy the most, honestly, is the people. My coworkers are so supportive, fun, and passionate about what they do, and it really makes the workplace feel welcoming. I can confirm that Emma is a literal queen. I also really love Cake Day and any kind of food-related celebrations we have. It’s such a small thing, but those moments bring everyone together and make the office feel like a community.
What inspired you to apply for a job at KingsIsle?
What first drew me to apply for a job at KingsIsle was my lifelong connection to Wizard101. It wasn’t just a game I played as a kid; it was my special interest growing up as someone on the autism spectrum. I spent years playing PvP in the Wizard101 arena, drawing my character Julia SparkleFountain, creating stories around my character, and finding a safe space where I could truly be myself on the game and Internet. When I saw the opportunity to work at the very company that made such a lasting impact on my life, it felt like everything came full circle. I applied not just because I love the game, but because I genuinely believe in the worlds KingsIsle creates, and I want to help build them for the next generation of players who might be just like me. I have extremely high hopes for this company because the team’s passion is undeniable.
When did you first learn you were autistic, and how has that shaped your life?
I was actually diagnosed with autism back in second grade, but I didn’t find out until I was in middle school. My mom chose not to tell me at the time, even though I was receiving a lot of support, like speech therapy and an IEP, or Individualized Education Program. I always felt different from the other kids, but I didn’t know why. I couldn’t explain it, and I didn’t have the words for what I was experiencing. But middle school wasn’t easy. I felt like I had to work extra hard to fit in, and I was often seen as the “quiet kid.” Things got a little better in high school, but toward the end, and especially in the beginning of college, it got harder again. I was bullied for how I communicated, even if it wasn’t always direct. A lot of the bullying came through exclusion, being left out, ignored, or dismissed. I really wanted to fit in. I went to college parties, tried to be social, tried to have a big group of friends. But it became exhausting. I experienced burnout because I was constantly doing something called masking. Masking is when an autistic person hides or suppresses their natural behaviors, like stimming, avoiding eye contact, or needing extra time to process, just to appear more “typical” or socially acceptable. It’s like acting all the time, and it takes a huge toll on your mental and emotional health.
One thing that helped me through all of this was something called a special interest. For many autistic people, a special interest is a topic, activity, or hobby they’re incredibly passionate about, something that brings intense focus, comfort, and joy. It’s more than just a hobby, it’s often a way we process the world, build confidence, and find a sense of identity. For me, that special interest was Wizard101.
Wizard101 was my escape from the real world. It wasn’t just a game; it became a special interest of mine. I played it all through elementary school, middle school, high school, and even now! My character, Julia SparkleFountain, felt like an extension of myself. I would draw her constantly, on my homework, in sketchbooks, anywhere I could. Creating art and stories around her brought me joy, comfort, and confidence when the real world felt confusing or isolating.
That passion never went away. Even now, I still draw Julia SparkleFountain, and Wizard101 continues to hold a special place in my heart. In fact, my deep connection to that game and the creativity it sparked in me actually led me to where I am today, I now work at KingsIsle Entertainment as a Marketing Associate Producer, the very company that created Wizard101.
It’s kind of wild to think about. Something that started as a safe space for me as a kid became the driving force behind my career. It showed me that following a special interest, even when others don’t understand it, can lead to something truly meaningful. Today, I’m a lot more open about being autistic. I no longer feel the need to hide who I am. I’ve surrounded myself with supportive friends, I share my story in hopes someone can relate to me, and I find peace just being myself and the game that helped me find my path.
How does your autism influence your work at KingsIsle?
As someone who is autistic, I experience a lot of anxiety around making sure everything gets done on time. I am constantly double-checking deadlines, making personal to-do lists, and yes, I am often the one poking with reminders to keep things moving. It comes from a genuine place of wanting everything to go smoothly and not wanting anyone to be caught off-guard. That urgency sometimes feels overwhelming for me internally, but it also means I am very proactive and dependable when it comes to project timelines and deliverables. In a way, my autism and anxiety make me hyper-aware of structure, which is actually really useful in a fast-paced work environment. I just try to balance that by communicating kindly and staying open to flexibility when things shift.
What strengths or perspectives do you bring to the team as an autistic person?
One of the unique strengths I bring to the team because of my autism is my literal and direct style of communication. I tend to say exactly what I mean and appreciate it when others do the same, it helps reduce confusion and keeps everyone aligned. In marketing, where clarity and consistency are key, being able to communicate in a straightforward way is a big asset. It helps ensure tasks don’t get lost in vague language, and it makes collaboration smoother, especially when we’re juggling tight deadlines and multiple moving parts. My brain is wired to look for structure and precision, and I think that complements the creative side of marketing well. That, combined with my neurodivergent perspective, adds to the diversity of thought on our teams.
How does being autistic shape your approach to gaming?
Being autistic shapes the way I approach gaming in a personal way. For me, it’s not just about the gameplay mechanics, it’s about the characters I get deeply attached to. With Wizard101, I became attached to my character Julia SparkleFountain. She was more than just a wizard in a game; she was a version of myself I could shape and express freely. She had everything I loved: ice magic, confidence, blue hair, and bright colors. In the Project DIVA series, which is a series of rhythm games known for their beautiful PVs, I developed a huge obsession with Hatsune Miku and other Crypton Future Media VOCALOID characters. I started listening to VOCALOID music in middle school, at a time when it was considered “cringe.” It is kind of funny looking back now because Hatsune Miku is finally getting the recognition she deserves. I feel like I was ahead of the curve, loving anime and Hatsune Miku way before it was trendy. But at the time, I was made fun of for it. People didn’t understand that connection, or why it meant so much to me.
What do you wish more players knew about autistic gamers?
I wish people knew that not every autistic person communicates or plays the same way. Some of us might struggle with voice chat or fast-paced social interactions in games, but that doesn’t mean we’re not engaged or that we don’t want to connect. We just connect differently and that should be welcomed, not judged.
What would you like fans to know about working in game development as an autistic person?
What I’d like fans to know is that being autistic in the gaming industry can be incredibly empowering. Working in an industry I am passionate about, surrounded by other creative and sometimes neurodivergent individuals, has shown me that my differences aren’t something to hide, they are a strength. Autism helps me approach problems in innovative ways and brings authenticity and heart into the work I do.
Julianna Valle’s story is a powerful reminder that autism is not a limitation, it’s a source of creativity and strength. As a lifelong Wizard101 fan, what began as a special interest became a creative outlet, a source of confidence, and ultimately, the inspiration for her career. Now an Associate Marketing Producer at KingsIsle, Julianna brings her unique perspective, focus, and passion to the very game that helped shape her journey. Her experience reminds us that autism is not something to be hidden, it’s something to be celebrated.
Autism Government & Organization Resources
April is Autism Awareness Month, but it’s always a good time to learn more, support neurodivergent communities, and explore the wealth of resources available. Below are some trusted organizations and government sites dedicated to autism awareness, advocacy, and support:
CDC – autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers trusted, science-based information on signs of autism, screening, diagnosis, and data tracking across the U.S.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) (autisticadvocacy.org)
A nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people, ASAN promotes disability rights, policy advocacy, and autistic voices. Their resources are especially valuable for self-advocates and allies.
National Institute of Mental Health – autism spectrum disorder (nimh.nih.gov)
NIMH offers research-based information on autism, covering symptoms, treatment options, ongoing studies, and clinical trial participation.
Autism Society of America (autism-society.org)
One of the oldest autism advocacy organizations in the U.S., the Autism Society connects individuals and families with local support services, education, and community programming.
National Autism Association (nationalautismassociation.org)
A nonprofit focused on safety, advocacy, and resources for families and caregivers of autistic children, especially those who are non-speaking or prone to wandering.
With Love,
The KingsIsle Team
KingsIsle Blog 
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