Celebrating Autism Awareness Month at KingsIsle: Autism in the Spiral

As Autism Awareness month comes to an end, we would like to celebrate and better understand the incredible contributions of our neurodivergent players, especially those on the autism spectrum. In our previous blog post, Autism in the Gaming Industry, Julianna Valle shared her story and personal experiences as an autistic professional in gaming. Now, we’re expanding the conversation to include the wider community, shining a spotlight on the voices and stories of autistic players themselves.

To better understand the experiences of autistic players, we reached out to members of our player community who generously shared their stories. Through their voices, we hope to shed light on both the joys and challenges of experiencing online games like Wizard101 and Pirate101 as an autistic gamer, and to celebrate the ways gaming can offer connection, creativity, and comfort.  

We’re spotlighting the stories of two players, Clarice Sapphire and Uga Buga / Tomb, as they share their experiences navigating Wizard101 and Pirate101 as autistic gamers. 

What first drew you to Wizard101 or Pirate101? 

Clarice: 
I was a kid during the years of the regular airings of Wizard101/Pirate101 advertisements. As a fan of bright, shiny aesthetics, and a frequent member of similar MMORPGs of the time, it just came natural to me to sign up.

Uga: 
My older brother– whom used to be my entire world as a kid. I watched Pirate101 release and joined it immediately due to already enjoying Wizard101. The games make me feel relaxed as they’re fairly easy to turn on and turn my brain off. 

Favorite World or Storyline? 

Clarice: 
Polaris is my favorite world by far. While I love the cast of characters, and the storyline, it’s the atmosphere that really grabs me. I find myself regularly just watching the reflective effect on the ice, listening to the soundtrack, and just deeply admiring everything that world has to offer, wanting to plunge deeper into it.

Uga: 
Honestly, almost all of Pirate101. Due to its somewhat darker themes and representation of some of history’s more darker elements, I was very interested in learning and connecting the dots. Pirate101 Marleybone made me appreciate the UK’s role in WW2 as well as study the history of Indian Revolutionary movements, for example!

What’s your playstyle? 

Clarice: 
Decorating and collecting pets is my favorite! When I discovered the “advanced move” option, I found the decoration opportunities to be much more inclusive of my aesthetic desires! Now I spend hours making the perfect sanctuaries for my pets with toys, delicious treats, and comforting bedding galore! 

Uga: 
Questing and decorating. Occasionally, I enjoy doing raids with close friends. I enjoy helping my friends who play less than me. 

Solo or team play? 

Clarice: 
I usually play with my sibling, because I tend to take the game very slowly and patiently, and I’m very intimidated by working with strangers who have strong opinions and entitlements in how a team should serve them. 

Uga: 
Personally, I enjoy soloing unless I’m with one trusted friend at a time. No more than 2 players at a time when I’m questing for some reason. I don’t know why… 

How do visuals, music, and design affect your sensory experience? 

Clarice: 
I love the chills I get from the soundtracks and reflective techniques used in the icy worlds. It feels like being transported to a frigid fantasy realm that I can’t help but savor. These sensory experiences also relate to why I’m playing ice, it just feels good. I love the sounds, and looks of the spells, and the storyline is so soothing. Even though Greyrose has a very distinguishable voice, I find it very mellow and comforting. While not technically in-game, as an also tactile sensory-seeking autistic, the plushies are lots of fun! I’d love to have one with more soft, luxurious textures in the future. (Like faux wool or more use of faux fur.) 

Uga: 
Nelson Everhart’s music has been engraved into my brain since the day I stepped foot into the Spiral. Honestly, bless that man. Besides that, honestly there’s a few NPC dialogues that have become long lasting vocal stims for me. 

How does being autistic shape your approach to gaming? 

Clarice: 
Understanding one’s limits and preferences for a digital space is important for everyone. However, as an autistic person, I find myself hyper-aware of what is both pleasing and not pleasing. This means I’m much more apt to choose a game with agreeable sensory stimulation, and relaxed, low-stakes gameplay that doesn’t contribute to personal stress, but instead works to alleviate it. With an adventure MMO like Wizard101, the weight of the gameplay can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, or anxiety-inducing. When I face battles that tend to make me excessively nervous, I find it very important to tell myself when it is time for a break and face the challenge another time with a fresh and clear head. 

Uga: 
I’m very fidgety and impatient, so I don’t really enjoy slow meticulous play styles in any game. Sorry, that means you, Ice… 

What do you wish more players knew about autistic gamers? 

Clarice: 
Autism is such a diverse, and fluctuating diagnosis. Two autistic people, including in gaming spaces, are not going to look or act the same. While it’s easy to fall into stereotypical expectations of what an autistic gamer may look like, keep yourself open-minded, because you may find a close, true friend. Just like any neurotypical person, personalities and needs vary, so you may get along better with some, and less with others. We’re just people, and we deserve a chance, because we’d do the same for you. 

Uga: 

We’re more “normal” than you think. Autism is a very varied spectrum, with different levels and extremes. There are so many more of us than you may initially realize due to internalized bigotry that you may not even be aware of. To make a long answer short; We’re not too different from you. We just approach things differently! 

Any advice for other autistic players starting out? 

Clarice: 
Savor the world. While it is easy to be compelled to finish quickly, and as efficiently as possible, there is so much world building, music, and characters that is worth stopping and enjoying. The worlds can go by so fast, and you’ll leave your favorite areas before you feel ready, so you may as well feel just a bit more ready by allowing yourself the space to explore, and just take it all in. 

Uga: 
Don’t obsess over your class. Don’t restart a thousand times over it. A lot of us suffer indecision- but I can assure you that in both games, every class has their place. So long as you’re having fun with it and/or like the aesthetic– stick with it! Keep playing, keep leveling that character up. You can always make new ones later to experiment. 

Building a Kinder Spiral Together 

For many autistic players, Wizard101 and Pirate101 provide a sense of calm, consistency, and structure. These games are built to be welcoming environments where everyone can embark on epic adventures at their own pace. The Spiral becomes a better, brighter place when all players feel seen, valued, and included. It is important to remember to practice patience and be kind in combat. By practicing patience and understanding that others may communicate or play differently, you help create a safer, more inclusive Spiral for everyone. Just like a strong team adjusts its strategy for each challenge, we can adjust our approach to others to ensure everyone feels comfortable. 

As Autism Awareness Month comes to an end, we’re reminded that inclusivity is more than just a goal, it’s an ongoing commitment. Through the stories of Clarice and Uga, we see how games like Wizard101 and Pirate101 can be more than entertainment. They can be lifelines, safe spaces, and sources of inspiration. 

Thank you to the incredible players who shared their stories. Autism brings unique strengths, perspectives, and creativity to the way people experience and enjoy games, and we’re so grateful to have those voices in the Spiral. Whether you’re questing solo, decorating your perfect space, or simply finding joy in the worlds you explore, there’s a place for you here. 

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