Crossposted from Neurodiversity NPO. Read the full article here.
Neurodiversity and Game-Based Learning – Reconstructing Relationships Through Play Spaces
Youka Watanabe, (Visiting Researcher, Keio University SFC Research Institute)
How do we perceive “differences” in learning? As the concept of neurodiversity gradually spreads, we need to see different cognitive and cultural styles not only as demanding “accommodation,” but as valuable assets.
This webinar explored how game-based learning spaces can become neurodiversity inclusive environments. We welcomed two scholar-practitioners for deep dialogue: Katie Salen Tekinbaş, a game-based learning researcher and designer, and Kohei Kato, a researcher and educator who creates stories with neurodiverse youth. Mimi Ito facilitated the session, posing questions and exploring commonalities and connections.
This essay is based on the dialogue from the 2nd webinar of the “Neurodiversity Potential Study Group (NeuPoteKen)” held on July 30, 2025 (July 31, Japan time).
