Autism and Gaming with Daniel Maagaard Larsen

Gaming plays a significant role in many children and young people's daily lives. According to a DR survey, 98% of children aged 6-15 have tried digital games, and two-thirds of 9-15-year-olds play almost daily or more often. For many autistic children and young people, gaming is a particularly meaningful interest - but the screen debate rarely accounts for this, as focus typically falls on concerns and recommendations aimed at neurotypical children.

At this themed evening, Daniel Maagaard Larsen will present on what gaming can actually teach us: why it is so strongly motivating, how modern games are designed to influence behaviour, and how gaming for some children and young people can create calm, focus and restoration. The presentation draws on research, practical experience and the speaker's own experiences with gaming. Daniel Maagaard Larsen has a background as a family therapist and special education advisor.

The evening will cover gaming in 2026, behavioural psychology in gaming, gaming's potential for restoration, competition and control, and guidelines for setting boundaries around gaming. The event is aimed at parents, educators, teachers and other professionals working with autistic children and young people or those with other forms of neurodiversity.

Program:
17:00-18:00 Lecture
18:00-18:30 Sandwiches and water
18:30-19:30 Lecture
19:30-19:45 Coffee/tea and cake
19:45-20:45 Lecture
20:45-21:00 Questions and closing remarks

Venue: Kulturhusets sal, Stemannsgade 2, Randers C