Science News Explores feature

Recently, I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Science News Explores, a US-based science publication written for kids and young people, about my work as a game and narrative designer.

The article focuses on how games can be used to communicate neurodivergent experiences. It draws on my game Life (Re)Sounding and on my own experiences of navigating sensory overload and the world around us that is often not designed with neurodivergent people in mind.

What I appreciate most about this piece is the audience it is written for. Having these conversations early matters. Games can help young people understand that there is no single “normal” way to experience the world, and that difference is not something that needs fixing, rather we can share our experiences through games and stories and connect with each other.

You can read the full article here: https://www.snexplores.org/article/game-designer-neurodivergent-gaming

I am grateful to Science News Explores for speaking with me, and for making space for neurodivergent stories.

Life (Re)Sounding: The Canberra Times

Recently, we were lucky enough to have some wonderful news articles released discussing our game Life (Re)Sounding. One of my favourites recently was this article published by The Canberra Times by Katelyn Catanzariti.

The article really captures some of the ways in which the game has been designed to communicate aspects of neurodiversity whilst acknowledging that every neurodivergent person is unique. I particularly loved this quote in the article from Sarah Langston, president of the Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association:

“I think anything that supports the development of empathy and real connection with the neurodivergent experience is useful, because I think what we often see is a lack of people ‘getting it’. It takes it away from the abstract and into the personal.” – Sarah Langston

If you’re interested, you can read the article in full on the Canberra Times website: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8777111/video-game-builds-empathy-for-neurodivergent-experience/

Professional Certificate of Neurodivergent Affirming Practices

I have recently completed a Professional Certificate of Neurodivergent Affirming Practices through the wonderful DivergAntz Collective.

The course explored “Neurodivergent Affirming Practice, Autism, ADHD, Neuroception (the brain), Sensory Registration, Profiles and the impact of sensory registration on coping strategies and maintaining a state of regulation”.

I found it really useful, the most interesting thing for me was exploring the research and sources behind the concepts and ideas explored. Thanks to the DivergAntz team for creating such an awesome course!

If you’re interested in completing the course – which I highly recommend! You can check it out here: https://divergantz.com.au/education