How I use Minecraft to help kids with autism | Stuart Duncan

The internet can be an ugly place, but you won't find bullies or trolls on Stuart Duncan's Minecraft server, AutCraft. Designed for children with autism and their families, AutCraft creates a safe online environment for play and self-expression for kids who sometimes behave a bit differently than their peers (and who might be singled out elsewhere). Learn more about one of the best places on the internet with this heartwarming talk.
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[@FitMC]

I see initiatives like this as very positive. The Minecraft community is not always the friendliest.

[@BioAnvil]

Hi Fit

[@theredpillprovider7133]

Fit gae

[@ussglowcloud6988]

Ping Ping which one?

[@davidmenlo9305]

The Minecraft community is split into lots of different parts. Most are super friendly, although the hardcore PvP part of the playerbase is a bit nasty

[@invalidsudo]

I'd say that around half of the playerbase only plays Minecraft to fight or compete against other players, and at least a quarter of them are super toxic.

[@Masada1911]

Group picture at the end made me cry. Yeah I'm a softie.

[@nicholasdreesen3223]

Toy Review Channel Fidget Spinner Free Iphone watch out, we have a badass here

[@Masada1911]

Toy Review Channel Fidget Spinner Free Iphone 😂

[@dawidek4267]

moron

[@drummercymbalsamples]

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

[@A0pplePapple]

wut.. but, im not crying

[@aslaughter4215]

No u

[@NeurodiverJENNt]

That's what I said 😭😭😭

[@Baraz_Red]

Gaming chats are often very aggressive and filled with insults. I try not to feed it, but this video sure helps to think twice before reacting harshly. ( I am 46, but adults also react brutally sometimes on game chats )

[@blue_link_3461]

As an autistic teenager (17 and discovered it 10 months ago) I must say this is very touching.

[@andreasanchez3557]

I discovered it a month ago. Best choice ever!

[@MattRoszak]

I skimmed through the comments and saw more comments complaining about trolls, than actual trolls. How is this possible on a video like this?! Good job, internet, I think.

[@sebastiansandoval4861]

glad i find you here ebf creator

[@youmaya7912]

This is amazing and this should be taken seriously. This man has helped a lot of kids. It shouldn’t be made fun of. It’s why we all cant make fun of someone cause they act different. Think about how they feel before you come to a conclusion .❤️

[@BunnyFett]

I love this. I am 30 and have autism. I run a Discord server filled with other adults with autism. Many of us have become close friends during the 1 1/2 years the server has been up.

[@AUnicorn666]

(: sounds amazing!

[@kathrynshaw192]

Mr Duncan, Congratulations on recognizing a need and responding. I'm the mother of two special needs sons and making sure that they managed to learn how to become "good" people was always a challenge for me. Maintaining a positive experience makes all the difference.

[@bluejay648]

Hey man, loved the video and what you're doing. I'm not autistic, but my step sister has autism and I'm happy to see people being kind. It's very hard to find nowadays. As a teenager and frequent social media user, I see a lot and I mean a LOT of horrible people out there. It's unbelievable, the world we have come to. And I just wanted to say I support you guys 100%, and I'm glad there's still good people helping others when they really didn't have to. You're the man, and keep doing what you're doing. :)

[@shushu8685]

Hello, I am from South Korea and our most-used searching engine like google in the US just posted your video on the video section of the website. That's how I get to watch your video. I have been shedding tears the whole time while watching it. I am so touched by your amazing work and feel grateful that there are still people with a warm heart like you out there in the world trying to make the world a better place for those who need our attention and affection. I was especially so moved by the way you dealt with the kid who was blinding, instead of just following the other users' request/complaint. We need more people like you in the world! Please keep being the way as you are and keep up with the good work. God bless you.

[@pugplayerone2493]

Cool this went international

[@JoeySmith-ed1xj]

This makes me so happy on so many levels. Hearing about a place that was made by an autistic person for autistic kids warms my heart. I'm autistic myself, and I've been playing Minecraft for seven years. I used to be bullied. Sometimes I feel like I still am sometimes. But to have a place where you can be yourself and know that you are worthy of being (and you are), even while different... it makes my eyes stingy and my emotions all warm and squishy. Everyone deserves a place where they can exist and be happy. Through the AutCraft server, as I assume and hope so, the players are creating their own happy place, and their lives are getting better because of it. When you play Minecraft, I hope that you, too, are creating your happy place. And maybe you'll share that happy place with those that want to share mutual happiness with you.

[@AliGondalmagaxe]

My nephew is autistic. He loves playing video games. And thank God he is getting better!

[@trentsmith357]

God bless you Stuart Duncan, you’ve done an amazing thing for these kids.

[@XnecromungerX]

i cried like like a babie after watching this. what an absolute hero. strong message

[@bekind8830]

I've got 2 little boys with autism. Both no verbal. I appreciate this so much. Even if my boys aren't into video games yet

[@marjamerryflower]

Good luck:)

[@tiffanyrowell6125]

I think we all can learn from this man. Gives me faith in humanity. Thank you for what you have done

[@Crispman_777]

This is really cool. It's even cooler that he's replying to this video's comments.

[@AutismFather]

I try.

[@HoduAphrodite]

AutismFather an angel has descended in between mortals XD

[@ShadaOfAllThings]

... Okay, as humorous as it is I think everyone can agree this is a good thing

[@playzor911]

Yes, I think so too. I have servers myself and helped as a camp leader for kids with autism and playing minecraft was a great way of getting them together and share a common interest.

[@SethDaMeth]

Shada yes, as Rick sanchez says

[@akamundi864]

it really helped me, i recommend it

[@Wrennie10]

Here’s an example of a single person making a wave of positive impact. Keep being awesome!

[@bekind8830]

I'm crying. Ugh you're a wonderful human being

[@behindthen0thing]

itsfuckingalyx are you willing to give him your body

[@bekind8830]

John Arnold um excuse me?

[@behindthen0thing]

If he's wonderful, are you willing to offer your body as a reward for his good deeds?

[@behindthen0thing]

I'm sure he wouldn't mind taking a few laps around the sheets with you. How about it?

[@behindthen0thing]

Hook the guy up

[@BillyTuo]

As a mom of a son with autism.. thank you so much. Im crying so much because what you've done is amazing. I've never seen someone understand this so well.

[@TheHdZuuLu]

Need more people like him in this world

[@kirstendessner-sweeney5823]

Stuart, thank you! We appreciate you here on the server! ~ Kirstjen

[@ColinPlayzMCPEMinecraftPE]

Beautiful shows how Minecraft still has life I don't know why people say that it's dying it has great music and severs like this make it a better game!

[@behindthen0thing]

ColinPlayzMCPE - Minecraft PE the graphics suck bad

[@Littlefighter1911]

The graphics were only worse earlier in the game, where soft-shadow hasn't been introduced yet.The reason why people say Minecraft is dying is because people see that their friends are not playing it anymore, so they stop playing themselves.They see the only servers available online are PVP HungerGames/ Catch the Beast or whatever mod is currently trending, which is not what many people appreciated Minecraft for.

[@888records]

Minecraft is back on top now, made its comeback.

[@smegmalasagna]

This is beautiful. Bless you

[@eri1397]

This is so wonderful! Thank you for all you’ve done... I don’t know if you’re reading the comments or not but I hope the nasty stream of them doesn’t affect you. What you’re doing is so good for these kids, thanks so much

[@AutismFather]

Thank you! And yes I am reading and responding as much as I can, along with the emails and messages I receive. Having Aspergers myself, I am quite used to the people hating me for simply existing, so these people in the comments who think they're being original are really quite old news to me. So no worries. Nothing is going to stop me from doing my very best to help as many people as I can.

[@eri1397]

And you've surely helped a lot of people so far :) What a kind soul you are... We need more people in the world like you.

[@yiyou4661]

This man is really awesome. He has gone above and beyond his means to create a safe space for people with autism. It's so amazing to watch this beautiful talk.

[@reachtrita]

Wonderful for creating a better place for everyone!

[@N1gh7z]

Everyone waiting for the sarcastic comments to start while in reality everyone commenting is actually super respectful and behaves like a responsible grown up. Is this real life? Where is the mean spirit that comes with anonymity and an opportunity to throw some cheap and easy jokes?

[@billhicks8]

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@mourossonero]

Incredible work, I'm glad this project made so many people feel better in their lives!

[@jefferyford5309]

I have massive respect for people like Stuart who seek out ways to help others and he's a true inspiration for those who need to be reminded that we are all different and have our own way in life to be ourselves. I know that's a big reason why I made my video titled, “An Autistic Genius Discusses How Differences Make Us Special.” We are all different - each and every one of us. I hope Stuart will be a real leader in his family and that he can touch MANY more lives to come!

[@klinkclang]

I am currently nineteen years old, and I have autism. Due to my age, I was in my early teen/late adolescence stage when Minecraft was becoming big in the gaming community. I can attest to Duncan's words. Minecraft permanently helped my in so many ways. I have developed into the person that I am due to, in part, to Minecraft. Now that I am older and know how to handle my quirks, seeing this makes me really happy.

[@Charles-fi7ww]

I haven't really played Minecraft nor watched a ted talk in a while but I'm glad I watched this, this is inspiring. I doubted the internet but I'm glad that the majority of everyone is being grateful and respectful and not full of mindless hate. Autismfather I know you may be seeing you this as a normal thing but the impact you've made to people with autism and changing the perception of others is beautiful, I hope your proud of yourself and the community :)

[@AutismFather]

I am proud. This has been a surreal and life changing experience for me. But not just because of what I've done but because of what these kids have done. A little encouragement, a safe place to take risks and to grow and they've created one of the best communities on the Internet. I'm proud of what I've accomplished but I'm even more proud of what we all have accomplished together.

[@andreasanchez3557]

@@AutismFather Joining the server was the best thing ever ! Thank You so Much !

[@clemenswager4000]

Not all heroes wear capes

[@nevesdarocha]

I have Asperger's syndrome and this game, plus my noise canceling headphones, is a lifesaver when I am in public and feeling over-stimulated. I can just turn on my headphones and switch my focus to my world that I am building. I also have ADHD, which they just showed has the same genetic markers as autism, so my hyper focus will truly pull me in and help me to be able to tune out everything around me. Between Minecraft Pocket edition and my Bose QuietComfort headphones, I can now go places that I would have honestly avoided before.

[@DanielSvensson666]

This was awesome, as a guy with Aspergers I am so happy to see things like this, it will help SO many people.

[@thechillykitty]

Stuart, you are one wonderful person. I love that you had this idea and ran with it, and continue to do so. I love your approach and the kindness and respect you have. Autcraft sounds like a wonderful place and I know just how important it is to provide people with a safe place so they can be themselves without fear. Much respect for you 💖

[@Laurendezvous]

I love the thought behind this.

[@CharleeCharlie]

That picture at the end is beautiful, I started to tear up.

[@NOTJustANomad]

Beautiful man. But quoting BuzzFeed isn't the best idea out there.

[@guillaumebriere3119]

hahahahah yeah I hung up on this a bit ;)

[@bflybars]

yeah should have lead with the research paper

[@pugpugpugs5382]

He quoted buzzfeed news; beyond the op eds they can be surprisingly trustworthy.

[@pugpugpugs5382]

buzzfeed is a seperate thing

[@AutismFather]

I can appreciate that but it was still a nice piece by them. Also, that bit in their tagline ("best place on the Internet") gave me the perfect connector to tie in my opening to my ending. It was just too perfect to not go for it.

[@artificiallyflavord5588]

Great father, great person, great idea. If only the world could learn more of this kind of kindness.

[@badboygoodboy6646]

I’ve got Autism to and I love Minecraft I play it alot this means so much me

[@mommahil4323]

great talk, wonderful guy, brilliant concept - thank you for stepping out and doing something and making the world a better place

[@nnnicolar]

it's truly amazing to see what good can be done with games like this ^^

[@nnnicolar]

god i'm about to start crying

[@chrishuber978]

Great concept. Thumbs up!

[@admuo]

Awesome initiative! I'm inspired to see I'm not the only person who sees the potential for creating positive, inclusive and healing environments online. This definitely gives me impetus on my own projects. Keep up the great work!

[@jaaackattackk]

SUCH a great video! My little heart could not handle how awesome this is.

[@BOT-dv9lz]

What you do varms my heart. You are a true hero in my mind. Children need to feel safe to evolve positive, and to get a positive attitude. Bullyes have mental strugle issues, and they also need help.

[@paulieddd]

We need more people like you, this gave me such a heart-warming feeling to start of my day. Big up and respect from the bottom of my heart, keep up making the world a better place each day?

[@chazbo543]

These comments are going to be a shitshow.

[@geophph4324]

charlie insley There’s actually a lot of nice comments in this comment section.

[@Riley1800]

I'm gonna love this comment section

[@11oyd]

Doubtful.

[@marianacosta841]

this is such a good talk! good job! loved it!

[@AutismFather]

Thanks :)

[@InfernalNiek]

This is such an amazing idea, really love the cause and it sounds like an awesome community has been build around it. You've truly done a great job Stuart :)

[@AutismFather]

It is an awesome community. I'm just one person in it. Those kids make it awesome together.

[@mikafairystar]

Stuart is doing great things!

[@Starlightean]

This would be great for many other games and people with other conditions too and mental health issues for example. Internet is the worst place to look for self-confidence and courage and no bullying, gameplay or communication wise. But it still, I feel like, has the most potential to create those opportunities.

[@vanesiscoen6698]

I respect you! May you be given a long life, always be healthy, and stay enthusiastic! to support minecraft and make others feel good! I touched my heart! Keep strong!!

[@mysteepulcine2510]

My son is going to be so excited when I tell him about this! How would he and his dad go about getting whitelisted?

[@tamerlanrukachev5261]

Mystee Pulcine Wholesome :)

[@KadeKalka]

This is fucking awesome!! Seriously, this guy is doing some great work!

[@LorenSnow]

Kade Kalka I know!

[@The7Hearts]

Lots of things to be learned. Always lead with positive reinforcement and always assume positive intent

[@davynolan182]

What a great guy

[@kaiserwigglesiii2369]

I always knew it was strange that mommy made me play Minecraft for hours at a time

[@MarcusMediaUK]

Made me cry.

[@sweetwheatsy]

This is pretty awesome. Great initiative. And this comment section is surprisingly well-mannered considering the "MAYMAY"-topic at hand here. It is a TED-talk video after all. See how long that lasts.

[@cocopen3415]

God bless you for who you are and what you do.

[@bresporttv5420]

A very great, Courageous mind this guy has. Much respect. Very inspiring! :)

[@chipebi]

This is so wholesome I love this

[@thomascooper48]

It's interesting to see gaming and medicine/metal health mix together in some wierd ways

[@chattychatotchannel]

this is awesome and that plugin was so smart!

[@justjames3243]

*Opens minecraft*

[@AlexD-up2ky]

CommonPersona *has minecraft profile pic* xD

[@behindthen0thing]

Lame

[@justjames3243]

Context please

[@Ruskie]

Very interesting video, great to see that kids with autism are having their chance to enjoy themselves :)

[@dko4882]

Great guy!!!

[@mimotojiyt]

I love you because you used minecrafr

[@RoseyMorearty]

MimotojiYT Wholesome comment

[@pinkpussy5551]

MimotojiYT me love minecrafr

[@JackieMiami]

People should always be treated right, be kind because we are all different. Love this

[@MichaelWhitePR]

What an incredible story of how video games can be used for good.

[@joan98610]

This is so cool

[@apthomad]

My son is 3 and will probably be diagnosed with autism in the next couple of years, I am definitely going to get him playing Minecraft on your server. Get ready to see mountainous numbers everywhere as they are his thing😁

[@two-face1041]

Andrew Thomas apply on the site

[@apthomad]

Two-Face I will be, when I download the game 😂

[@tonyakruid2095]

My 13-year-old son was just diagnosed with high functioning a SD and he loves Minecraft… I am so glad I found this video

[@leoneabbacchio5398]

Some heroes don’t wear capes ❤️

[@AutismFather]

Not a hero... just someone who saw people who needed help and decided to do something. We're all capable of doing that much.

[@leoneabbacchio5398]

AutismFather You’re a great man. Not enough people take the initiative to do things like this. Just thank you for being the way that you are. This world has had a lot of problems as of late and it’s nice to see people like you who are willing to help it.

[@RantKid]

we had this idea long ago. My wife and I built an entire curriculum around it. Then she got sick and we had to drop everything to figure things out. Now I've got to do it! People will think it's because I saw this video, but w/e.

[@AutismFather]

Do it no matter what anyone else thinks. It's not a race or a competition. The more people that are helping people, the better.

[@Soianya]

My brother has autism, he can't talk but he can type he's not really into games but this warms my heart

[@byeloth3]

Awesome human being.

[@DysnomiaATX]

This is really great. Thanks for sharing your insights

[@parismarie8912]

This is absolutely incredible!

[@jagottem100]

And yet my parents say that video games cause shootings 😤

[@user-xo7fl1bf2v]

thankful...

[@liquor9021]

Awwww yea, go on guys!

[@creanetor]

That was great, I've seen this already in TED website. I'm saying this because it got recommended and I like Minecraft. Take care.

[@knus1959]

Hi Stuart Duncan :) I'm a Danish mother at 58, and i have had Minecraft since it was a Beta game. I have some diagnoses like mild depression, anxiety (+ social anxiety) and stress. And Minecraft is a big help for me. My daughter is taking a degree at the university, ( a degree called "Kandidat"), and it's a degree between a Bachelor and a Phd. And her graduate assignment at the university is about using computer games for teaching purposes, focusing on Minecraft. I have giving her the link to this video. :)

[@AutismFather]

That is terrific and I wish her well!! Please do invite her to contact me with any questions she may have. I don't know if I can help at all but I'd be happy to be available if she wants it.

[@knus1959]

Thanks :) She did get the highest grade for her Bachelor exam, so i'm a very proud single mother. I'll tell her to catch you here with a comment in this video. It's past 1 am in DK atm.... :)

[@MajkaSrajka]

It may be on the verge, but if anyone is interested in using interactive systems (games) then IMO you have to check out stuff from Nicky Case (ncase . me website).

[@nuclearhappines]

you da man

[@10dan]

This is the kind of stuff this world needs so desperately. Thank you so much AutismFather. You're a true hero.

[@AutismFather]

That is very kind of you to say but I'm just someone who saw an opportunity to help and took it. This is something that would be considered an just an average thing to do if more people would do the same.

[@akamundi864]

I recommend this server! ive been there for 3 years!

[@zuzu091]

If someone denies that minecraft is for autism ever again i will send them this video

[@lj5030]

My boyfriend has autism and it really helps him out with socializing with people, not to mention he is really creative and can build way cooler things than I can

[@MeadowsDream]

I would love to become a social worker and use Minecraft, animal crossing, stardew etc to meet kids as well as adults where they are at and provide different kinds of therapy through play and creativity!

[@freesounds7517]

That is lovely.

[@urama8965]

Cool, buena iniciativa!

[@Lubestand]

Beautiful.

[@frozendamn]

Some nice words, music and time can heal everything :)

[@ciberflash6648]

i admire that guy for coming to TED