Esports and Autism: Have We Found A Connection?
If you have a teenage son, then you’re probably familiar with Esports. If you’re anything like me, then you are in constant disagreement about time spent on their consoles. That is, until now. The Esports industry has become a billion-dollar industry that not only pays kids to play (and win) but also offers college scholarships.
My 15-year-old son, Drew has always been obsessed with video games. With him being on the Autism Spectrum, he studies and masters games on a consistent basis. I often have to tell him to take a break and let his brain rest a little. Of course, we disagree with the amount of time he spends on the game. So when his high school said all 10th graders had to enroll in an extracurricular activity, I naturally tried to persuade him to join the basketball team (as I mentioned, he has autism).
He immediately declined, despite how good he is at the sport. His lack of social skills due to autism prohibits him from doing a lot of things. When we found out his school was offering an Esports team we KNEW this was going to be the right fit! He joined the team and in 2 months (give or take) was bumped up from the JV to the Varsity team. Without knowing his diagnosis, the coaches promoted him to leadership positions, but that required a little more than he could handle. He continued to be a leader on his team, just not in an official capacity. When I informed his coaches of his diagnosis they were absolutely amazed, as most people are.
Related: Travel: I’ve Never Been On a Cruise Ship Because I’m Terrified
The high school my son attends is the only high school in Washington DC to have an Esports team. His coaches Mr. Howard and Mr. James worked hard to create, implement, and recruit for 3 years to form the Esports team. Their blood, sweat, and tears have created not only a sport that my son loves but a blueprint for future teams. They’re working with the Mayor’s Office to create teams at other high schools in DC in hopes to host their own tournament.
His Eastern Senior High School Team was invited and participated in an overnight tournament at Shenandoah University, where the winner would be offered scholarships to attend. To say I was nervous to send him on his first alone trip would be an understatement. My son’s roommate not only won his event in their specific game but was offered a scholarship to attend the University. When my son returned home he said it was the best time of his life.
In 2019, New Zoo estimated the total revenue of the Esports market would exceed $1.1 billion dollars. By the end of 2022, Esports is expected to generate $1.38 billion in global revenue. The average earnings of an Esports player as of 2021 was $12,000-$60,000 a year depending on the video game.
Next year, my son will be a junior AND the Captain of his team. Drew will continue to compete and be a leader for future members of the team. He’s looking forward to attending the tournament and winning a scholarship of his own. He has never discussed going to college or working, yet this summer he and his Esports team will be building computers in a Summer Employment Program hosted at his school and he has worked hard to bring his grades up.
He has also agreed to help jump-start an Esports program at our Therapy Center (The Indigo Therapeutic Center), so other children may experience the social skills they lacked due to their diagnosis. He asks for help when needed, is more sociable, and has a new outlook on school. To say Esports would work for all children on the Autism Spectrum would be a broad statement. I do think it’s something that should be explored a little deeper.
Tiffany is a mom of 4 beautiful kids. Her only son is on the Autism spectrum and she has been working in the field professionally for 9 years. She is the owner of a therapeutic center located in Clinton, MD.
