Esports has emerged as an important tool for fostering both academic
and social development for students, including neurodivergent
individuals. By combining structured environments, teamwork, and
strategy-based challenges, competitive inclusive gaming offers an
innovative approach to education that meets the unique needs of
students. Esports not only engages these students in tailored learning
experiences but also helps cultivate critical social skills, leadership, and
adaptability, making it a valuable resource for learners of all abilities.
Research underscores emerging educational and career benefits of
esports participation. Chaarani et al. (2022) found that children who
played video games outperformed non-gamers on various cognitive skill
assessments, highlighting the potential of gaming to enhance
intellectual development. Similarly, Anderson et al. (2018) identified
esports as a gateway to science, technology, engineering, art, and math
(STEAM) education and careers, sparking interest and building
expertise in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Additionally, Researchers found female students who participated in
gaming were more likely to enter a STEM field (University of Surrey,
2018). Esports also facilitates the development of practical, transferable
skills that are highly valued in the workforce, such as collaboration,
communication, and leadership (Zhong et al., 2022). For students with
autism, inclusive esports provide an inclusive platform to strengthen
social and cognitive skills, offering a supportive environment for
personal growth and connection (Nielsen et al., 2021). These combined
benefits position esports as an innovative and impactful tool for
advancing education and preparing students for future success.
