Abstract
Panel discussion
During ACND2025 we have deepened our understanding that play is how children and adults explore the world, express themselves, and connect with others. But in today’s digital age, the nature of play is shifting dramatically. I hope you enjoyed some of the different play opportunities we had on offer during ACND25.
From interactive apps to immersive virtual worlds, digital platforms are now central to how many people experience play and relationships. For some, this opens up exciting new possibilities—creative expression, global connection, and personalised learning. For others, it raises concerns: about screen time, social isolation, and the loss of traditional, physical play and connection to the outdoors environment.
And for neurodiverse children and people, this shift can be both a lifeline and a challenge.
Digital play can offer sensory-friendly, structured, and accessible environments that support neurodiverse people. It can help reduce anxiety, provide predictable routines, and allow engagement at their own pace. But play can be overwhelming. Digital play requires thoughtful design and guidance to ensure it enhances—not replaces—connections between loved ones.
That brings us to a crucial point: play is not just entertainment—it’s a form of communication.
Through play, children learn to read social cues, express emotions, negotiate, and collaborate. Whether it’s building a fort together or teaming up in a digital game, play helps children build interpersonal connections and develop the skills they’ll carry into adulthood. For neurodiverse children, play can be a bridge to connection—when it’s inclusive, respectful, and responsive to their needs.
This is not just a tech conversation—it’s a human one. It’s about the kind of world we want the role play to have in shaping minds, hearts, and relationships.
Let’s explore this together—with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to making play a source of joy, growth, and connection for every child.
So today, we ask:
•How do we reimagine play in a way that is inclusive, balanced, and developmentally supportive?
•How can families co-play or engage with digital platforms in ways that strengthen communication and relationships rather than isolate or foster passive consumption?
•What signs should parents look for to know whether digital play is positively contributing to their child’s learning and wellbeing—or becoming a concern?
•Finally, from across ACND2025, what is your main take-home message for us all?
During ACND2025 we have deepened our understanding that play is how children and adults explore the world, express themselves, and connect with others. But in today’s digital age, the nature of play is shifting dramatically. I hope you enjoyed some of the different play opportunities we had on offer during ACND25.
From interactive apps to immersive virtual worlds, digital platforms are now central to how many people experience play and relationships. For some, this opens up exciting new possibilities—creative expression, global connection, and personalised learning. For others, it raises concerns: about screen time, social isolation, and the loss of traditional, physical play and connection to the outdoors environment.
And for neurodiverse children and people, this shift can be both a lifeline and a challenge.
Digital play can offer sensory-friendly, structured, and accessible environments that support neurodiverse people. It can help reduce anxiety, provide predictable routines, and allow engagement at their own pace. But play can be overwhelming. Digital play requires thoughtful design and guidance to ensure it enhances—not replaces—connections between loved ones.
That brings us to a crucial point: play is not just entertainment—it’s a form of communication.
Through play, children learn to read social cues, express emotions, negotiate, and collaborate. Whether it’s building a fort together or teaming up in a digital game, play helps children build interpersonal connections and develop the skills they’ll carry into adulthood. For neurodiverse children, play can be a bridge to connection—when it’s inclusive, respectful, and responsive to their needs.
This is not just a tech conversation—it’s a human one. It’s about the kind of world we want the role play to have in shaping minds, hearts, and relationships.
Let’s explore this together—with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to making play a source of joy, growth, and connection for every child.
So today, we ask:
•How do we reimagine play in a way that is inclusive, balanced, and developmentally supportive?
•How can families co-play or engage with digital platforms in ways that strengthen communication and relationships rather than isolate or foster passive consumption?
•What signs should parents look for to know whether digital play is positively contributing to their child’s learning and wellbeing—or becoming a concern?
•Finally, from across ACND2025, what is your main take-home message for us all?
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2025 |
| Event | Australian Conference on Neurodevelopmental Disorders 2025: Connecting Through Play - Launceston Conference Centre, Launceston, Australia Duration: 19 Sept 2025 → 20 Sept 2025 Conference number: 4 https://acnd.org.au/ https://acnd.org.au/uploads/general/ACND_Program_2025.pdf (Program) |
Conference
| Conference | Australian Conference on Neurodevelopmental Disorders 2025 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Launceston |
| Period | 19/09/25 → 20/09/25 |
| Other | Our fourth conference will continue to build on the legacy of forging a positive view of neurodiversity, emphasising the inherent value and strengths of our unique differences and our common humanity. Our unique delegate combination of professional expertise across education and health with insights from neurodivergent presenters is fostering a rich dialogue leading the conversation around best practice. |
| Internet address |
