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Minecraft detached poster3/16/2024 ![]() Therapeutically applied Minecraft can provide opportunities for peer connection and social practice in a facilitated environment. Consistent with these approaches and as challenges with peer communication can contribute to peer rejection and isolation, supporting neurodivergent adolescents’ social competence and confidence may be a valuable tool to reduce isolation and increase peer connection. Notably, though diagnostic and treatment norms have historically been focused on aligning individuals with neurotypical standards for social communication, newer interactionist/ecological neurodiversity approaches emphasize a shift in societal and environmental norms, while also supporting the development of skills adaptive to an individual’s current environment ( Dwyer, 2022). Challenges with social isolation became even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, though peer support was found to be a protective factor ( Laslo-Roth et al., 2022 Sibley et al., 2021 Pellicano et al., 2022).Ĭhallenges with communication and relationship building, especially in relation to neurotypical norms are intrinsic to the diagnostic criteria of both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder ( APA, 2022). In both ADHD and autistic individuals, loneliness has been found to increase the likelihood of depressive symptoms ( Hedley et al., 2018 Houghton et al., 2020). Neurodivergent individuals, such as autistic individuals and those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely than their neurotypical peers to experience peer rejection, loneliness, and social isolation ( Heiman et al., 2015 Shea and Wiener, 2003 Unnever and Cornell, 2003 Orsmond et al., 2013). The reciprocal relationship between social connection and physical and mental wellness is well-documented ( Orben et al., 2020 Viner et al., 2012). Finally, the use of a digital game provides multiple modes for such interaction (i.e., chat, building/movement with the avatar), which creates greater autonomy in communication for the participants than a traditional in-person or virtual social skills group. The use of the game environment can support motivation to interact with others, especially for participants who are fearful or disinterested in peer interaction. The group format allows for real-world social practice with peers. ![]() This group-based intervention utilizes the popular digital game Minecraft to create opportunities for building social capacity and confidence in an engaging, low-stakes environment with peers. Therapeutically applied Minecraft groups are an intervention designed to support social engagement, confidence, and competence youth and are particularly well-suited for use with neurodivergent youth, such as those with diagnoses of autism and/or ADHD. This article provides an example of Minecraft in use in a therapeutic context and calls for more formal research in this area of therapeutically applied games. Though the use of Minecraft and other games to support learning and social connection is prevalent in the media, the academic research in this area is sparse. Therapeutically applied Minecraft groups can provide opportunities for peer connection and social practice in a facilitated environment. Use cases include examples of different Minecraft servers, such as the habitat, and identifying stresses of social growth such as school anxiety and how the use of therapeutically applied Minecraft helped. Use cases are included to illustrate how the methods have been used in the past to support social growth with neurodivergent youth. The method outlined includes the justification for this method, process of creating support groups, check-in and check-out processes, and in-game activity examples for different situations. This article outlines the theoretical foundations of therapeutically applied Minecraft groups as well as practical considerations for implementation. The group format allows for real-world social practice with peers, while the game environment can support motivation to interact with others, and provides multiple modes for such interaction (i.e., chat, building/movement with the avatar). Minecraft is leveraged to support opportunities to build authentic relationships and social confidence in an engaging, low-stakes environment with peers. ![]() The flexible interaction format and use of a popular digital game support the fit of this intervention for use with neurodivergent youth. Therapeutically applied Minecraft groups are an intervention designed to support social engagement, confidence, and competence in youth.
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