Autism is a neurological condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts, and behaves. It is a complex disorder that affects nearly 1 in 59 children in the United States. It is characterized by social deficits, communication difficulties, and restricted interests. While autism is a highly heterogeneous condition, it is estimated that 1 out of every 5-10 autistic people have an affinity for Pokémon.

Pokémon, short for “pocket monsters,” is a global phenomenon. It is a media franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1995, and consists of a variety of media, including anime, manga, games, trading cards, and toys. As of 2021, the franchise’s gross revenue is estimated to be over $90 billion.

Different people have different reasons for loving Pokémon. For autistic people, however, the connection is especially profound. This article will explore the unique bond between autism and Pokémon, why autistic people love Pokémon, and how it has helped autistic people in different ways.

The connection between autism and Pokémon has been explored in various studies. In 2010, a study from the Neuroscience Institute in Japan found that people with autism were able to recognize Pokémon characters more quickly than other characters. Other studies have highlighted how Pokémon can offer benefits to people with autism, including improved visual working memory, increased motivation, and improved problem-solving skills.