Celebrating Autism Awareness Month at KingsIsle – 2026

As the end of April draws near, we would like to take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge Autism Awareness Month by amplifying the voice of one of our autistic team members who has generously shared their personal journey. Through stories like theirs, 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.

Autism or autism spectrum disorder is a neurological 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.

For this Autism Awareness Month feature, we spoke with Mercedes Fuller, a game designer and longtime Wizard101 player. Beginning in QA, Mercedes explored several areas of development before finding their home on the design team. They reflect on their path from passionate player to game industry professional, and how being autistic has influenced their journey.

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What do you enjoy most about your role at KingsIsle, and what inspired you to apply?

“I love being able to think creatively. Being part of creating worlds and content gives me a lot of pride and joy. What inspired me to apply was my love for Wizard101. I had played for a decade prior to applying and when I got a role starting in QA, I was so excited! As the years went on, I got to try my hand at all sorts of departments, finally finding my place on the design team!”

What are some of your favorite things you’ve helped design that are currently in the game?

“I really enjoy being given the opportunity to create instances where we explore new or never before seen mechanics. Examples are the Spring Gauntlets such as The Forbidden Library and Questin’ of the Hidden Temple.”

When did you first learn you were autistic, and how has that shaped your life or career?

“I was diagnosed at an early age with autism and ADHD. At a young age I had a lot of behavioral issues but learned from mentors how to regulate my emotions better. This has helped me immensely throughout my life and career.”

What strengths or perspectives do you bring to the team as an autistic person?

“I think about things well in advance, like new raids, tools, or puzzles. I also think about edge cases for designs.”

How does your autistic perspective influence the way you approach designing game systems or mechanics?

“I’ve heard I’m methodical and thorough.”

How do you think about designing games that are more accessible to neurodivergent players?

“I usually think about if I find something understandable, then it must be slightly accessible to neurodivergent people. I know that I point out spots of confusion I have when others discuss their designs, which then means that they must think about how to better communicate their designs to the player.”

In your experience, how can studios better support neurodivergent designers during the development process?

“Being patient with them.”

What moment in your career made you feel especially proud of your work?

“When I was able to mentor others and see them create worlds just as I have. I also love seeing how they approach the same problems and their unique spin on a concept!”

What advice would you give to autistic people who are interested in getting into game design?

“Be flexible. It’s easier on yourself and on the design if you can bend your designs to better fit the overall experience.”

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Keep calm; it will all work out.”

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Thank you, Mercedes, for sharing your story and showing that there’s no single path to game development. Different perspectives create more engaging experiences for players, and you’ve not only contributed memorable content but also supported and inspired others as a mentor to new designers.

We hope this story inspires you and serves as a reminder that no matter what industry you choose to pursue, there is a place for you. Everyone brings something valuable to the table, and your perspective matters. If you’d like to hear more, you can also explore last year’s Autism Awareness blog post to read Julianna Valle’s personal story and journey as someone with autism working in the game industry.

If you’re autistic or neurodivergent and interested in sharing your own journey with us, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out at community@kingsisle.com or connect with one of our community managers. Your experiences help us better understand our players and continue improving how we represent and support you as a community.

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