In 2013, Stuart Duncan, known in the gaming community as AutismFather, embarked on a mission to create a nurturing and inclusive online environment tailored for children with autism and their families. The inspiration for this endeavor stemmed from his own son’s passion for Minecraft, which highlighted the challenges many on the autism spectrum face in traditional gaming spaces, particularly bullying.
Duncan’s journey into the world of gaming began in his childhood, where he found solace and connection through video games. As a parent of a child on the spectrum, he recognized the profound need for a safe haven where children could thrive without fear of harassment. Minecraft became a pivotal tool for communication between Duncan and his son, who initially struggled with limited vocabulary and social interactions. “Minecraft was massively important to us,” he reflects. “It opened up a new world for him, allowing him to express himself in ways he never could before.”
As his son immersed himself in the game, he developed not only his vocabulary but also a newfound confidence. “He started to learn new words,” Duncan recalls, “going from a vocabulary of 10 words to terms like ‘obsidian.’ He was eager to share his experiences with me.” However, the broader online gaming landscape often proved to be a daunting place for children like his son, leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion.
To combat this, Duncan established Autcraft, a dedicated Minecraft server designed to foster a supportive community for neurodivergent children. Beyond just creating the platform, Duncan took on the role of a vigilant guardian, meticulously screening participants to ensure that only kind-hearted individuals could join the community. His commitment to this cause led him to leave his job as a web developer, recognizing the urgent need to support children who were struggling. “For the first two years, I was talking to two kids per week who were suicidal,” he shares. “Eventually, my work suffered as I prioritized their needs.”
Today, Duncan dedicates himself full-time to Autcraft, which has blossomed into a virtual sanctuary for over 17,000 players. Upon joining, new members are greeted warmly by fellow players who guide them through the imaginative landscapes of the server, which includes an Alice in Wonderland-inspired castle and a space station among the clouds. A unique feature of Autcraft is the “Bully Board,” where children can share their experiences with bullying, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Duncan emphasizes the importance of connection within the Autcraft community: “We just let them know that they’re not alone. We’re here for each other and will support each other for as long as need be.” This ethos of empathy and understanding is what makes Autcraft a beacon of hope for many children navigating the complexities of social interaction.
Stuart Duncan, known in-game as AutismFather, created Autcraft—a safe, inclusive Minecraft server designed specifically for children with autism and their families.
Duncan founded Autcraft after realizing that his son—and many other children on the autism spectrum—were experiencing bullying in online gaming communities.
Today, Duncan runs the server full-time, and Autcraft has now become a virtual sanctuary for over 17,000 players.
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Source: Meet the dad who quit his job to run a Minecraft server for autistic kids
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