Autism and addiction

In fact, people with autism spectrum disorder (hereafter ASD) are almost twice as likely to become addicted than those without autism.

Why gambling?

For someone with ASD, daily life is more challenging than for someone without ASD. For example, for someone with ASD, social norms are more difficult to assess, social interaction takes more energy, and everyday stimuli such as street sounds come in harder than for someone without ASD. Escaping this challenging daily life is therefore especially tempting for those with ASD.

Online gambling can be a way to escape these discomforts. Gambling games contain clear rules, recurring patterns, regularity and predictability: everything that people with ASD enjoy and generally find difficult in everyday life. In addition, playing a game is a nice way to pass the time and shift the focus away from the challenges of everyday life.

Help

Regular treatments for gambling and other addictions focus on the reason you gamble and how you can get rid of it. If the reason you gamble is strongly intertwined with ASD, sometimes more is needed. It is therefore important that during the treatment of your addiction, not only the addiction but also your autism and what help you need.

Do you have autism and a (gambling) addiction? Then look for a place where they have experience with both your addiction and ASD. Can't figure it out or want to share your story? Don't hesitate to call, our counselors are available to help you 24/7.