Jose Lorenzo Mendez
Research Mentor(s): Sandy Zalmout
Mentor Department: ICPSR
Authors: Jose Lorenzo Mendez, Emir Erdem, Kathy Ignatoski, Sandy Zalmout
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 12
Abstract
Neurodiversity is a developing concept that is yet to incorporate itself in the common American culture and lifestyle. It refers to a community of people that have certain mental difficulties that differs them from the social norm. Its importance of including people that may experience difficulties in current societal norms is often seen as beneficial, but many are not aware of the experiences, or may hold stigmas against those who are perceived as peculiar, which neurodivergent people are often seen as. Studies have estimated that about 15-20% of people are neurodivergent (Doyle, 2020). Because of the significant number of neurodivergence in a population, there is a need for ways to connect and establish relationships with them and neurotypical people. This relationship development fosters camaraderie and cooperation among individuals, especially in workplace and academic situations. This study tests whether video games/esports can be used as a tool to foster these interrelationships through an observation of behavior and perceptions after interactions between neurodivergent and neurotypical people.
