Our Impact
Spectrum Gaming is an autistic-led community where young people can connect, have fun, and build confidence.
Every autistic young person’s journey at Spectrum Gaming is different - some start in our online community, others at local meetups, and many do a mix of both. Our community is autistic-led, designed by and for autistic young people who often don’t fit in anywhere else. Over time, they build friendships, confidence, and independence in ways that suit them best - last year our members attended over 3,000 online and face-to-face events!
These stories show how our flexible, understanding approach helps autistic young people connect, grow, and belong - all at their own pace when they are ready.
Finding connection close to home
A journey shaped by local and online support
View Journey
Growing confidence across communities
From local sessions to national connection
View Journey
Building belonging nationally
A national journey over time
View Journey
Joining Spectrum Gaming
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Joined the online community while at mainstream school, looking for friends.
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Started safely connecting with peers in shared gaming spaces.
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3 online sessions in the first month
Early face-to-face participation
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Attended fortnightly youth club in Bury, accompanied by a parent initially.
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Began building confidence in in-person social settings.
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2 face-to-face events in the first 3 months
Becoming a regular member
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Started attending Forest School sessions once a month, plus weekly online community sessions.
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Formed a core friendship group and increased independence.
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33 face-to-face events + 86 online events over 12 months
“This is the first place my child has really felt understood.”
Joining The Community
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Signed up in September 2024 and attended first 4 local face-to-face events by March 2025.
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Parents supported initial participation before the young person felt ready to engage online.
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4 face-to-face events attended
Exploring online group activities
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Joined first online Dungeons & Dragons session in June 2025.
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Developed confidence and consistency in online social participation.
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Regularly attends weekly online sessions
Balancing local and national engagement
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Continued to join both local youth clubs and wider online events.
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Expanded friendship network beyond local area while maintaining local ties.
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Ongoing mix of face-to-face and online activity
“They finally have friends who get them, both online and offline.”
Starting isolated
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Joined while out of school and unable to leave the house.
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Began building trust with staff and peers through online sessions.
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Participated in advocacy projects as well as gaming /social activities in the online community.
Initial face-to-face engagement
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Travelled 107 miles to attend Forest School in September 2023, first non-medical outing in over 2 years.
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Gained confidence leaving home and meeting online friends in person.
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Attended a Forest School weekend
Increasing independence and regional engagement
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Participated in multiple events in Sheffield and Manchester over the next year, staying in hotels for multi-day events.
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Built broader networks and self-confidence in new environments.
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6 regional events; 4 multi-day events attended
Ongoing National Participation
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Continues to engage in advocacy projects, gaming sessions, and face-to-face events across the UK.
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Developed strong peer relationships and sustained social participation.
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Undertaken 60-mile trips for 6 events and 107-mile trips for 4 events!
“We never thought they’d travel this far for something they loved.”