A new study from Charles Darwin University (CDU) suggests that individuals with autistic-like traits (ALTs) may be more prone to problematic gaming due to escape-related motives rather than social ones. Published in Addictive Behaviors Reports, the research examined how gaming motivations mediate the relationship between ALTs and symptoms of gaming disorder.

Survey participants, who played at least one hour of games weekly, were asked about their motivations and habits. Over half reported playing more than 10 hours per week. The findings indicated that players with higher ALTs were less influenced by social reasons but more strongly driven by the desire to escape real-life stressors or negative emotions.

Professor Kim Caudwell, co-author of the study, noted that while the results do not imply that autism or ALTs directly cause gaming disorders, they highlight how motives shape gaming behavior. “We need to make sure gaming remains balanced,” Caudwell said, emphasizing that interventions should address underlying motivations rather than stigmatizing gaming itself.

The study contributes to a growing body of work exploring problematic gaming outside of clinical autism diagnoses, shifting focus toward broader behavioral patterns. Future research will expand sample sizes and investigate other factors such as mental health and game preferences.