I'm looking for some advice on how to help my brother, who's 21 and on the autism spectrum, dive into programming. He's high-functioning but has struggled with school and burnout from previous jobs, and I think he could really thrive in coding if I can get him started. He loves gaming and is tech-savvy, but he finds programming intimidating and often rejects things that feel like special treatment because he wants to be treated like anyone else. I'm not an expert in coding myself, but I think if I can provide him with fun and engaging resources, like game modding or creating Discord bots, it might spark his interest without overwhelming him. Any suggestions?
2 Answers
Have you thought about coding games that incorporate puzzles? Games like 'Human Resource Machine' are great because they teach coding concepts without requiring prior knowledge. They could serve as a fun introduction!
Many autistic individuals are incredibly passionate about their interests. It might be best to get him a beginner’s programming book that aligns with what he enjoys. If it captures his interest, he could take off from there. If not, he might just prefer to explore other interests instead!
Also check out 'Shenzen IO' and 'Elevator Saga.' They’re quite engaging and can help him learn while having fun!