As we are playing in what is quintessentially a virtual world, it’s important to understand the player behind the screen may have their own challenges which may not be noticeable or stated on their barn.
I would like to use this platform to raise awareness, educate and advise Ponybox players the challenges faced by autistic players. Below I am sharing a few tips and insights to build positive and respectful relationships within our online community…
- Avoid speaking in irony, sarcasm, figurative language, rhetorical questions, or idioms. Autistic individuals think LITERALLY and will not understand the point you are trying to make. For example: ‘Over the moon’ ‘A clean slate’ ‘Fallen on deaf ears’ idioms will be hard to understand.
- Offer concise and clear questions, it’s helpful to say what you would like the individual to do over what you don’t want them to do. For example: ‘Do you want a grey or black pony manip?’ or ‘Please challenge my pixels next week, they need to rest now’
- However, don’t use too many questions. Keep them short and necessary questions only. Take time to pause and say less which will allow the information to be processed by the individual prior to their response.
- Offer choice or suggestions a certain topic of similar interests to discuss. This will allow to bridge conversation and a relationship to build.
- Set clear boundaries. Avoid saying ‘No’ or being vague. Take the time to explain in a concise and calm manner why and where it is acceptable (or not acceptable) to behave in certain ways.
I hope all players take the time to read and put these tips into practice back out into the Ponybox world.
Heartland x
** For reference, I am in no way an expert or do not claim to be one. These are things I have learnt myself through wider reading and through family and friends. **
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I think this is a great post and could be very helpful, thank you! I appreciate it as I have a hard time communicating through typing with some people, it is very easy to say something and it be taken the wrong way whether or not you normally have a hard time communicating or not. I think this is something that should be considered across the board for everyone.