Roll the Dice.
Dungeons & Dragons at 50.
When I was a teenager, I desperately wanted to be part of my boyfriend’s Dungeons & Dragons group. I had always been drawn to fantasy worlds—the idea of designing magical characters, and creatively solving problems, all whilst weaving a growing story, was intoxicating and intriguing. But his friends saw me as an outsider. I wasn’t “one of the boys,” and despite my enthusiasm, wasn’t welcome at the table. It stung, but I did what many of us do—buried the rejection and masked my feelings.
More than 30 years later, something remarkable has happened. I saw a flyer for a 10-week social Dungeons & Dragons group, and instead of thinking if my children would be interested, I wondered: why not me? At 50, I'm rediscovering parts of myself I have long suppressed, embracing my autistic identity and viewing my inner child with pride rather than shame. And so, before I knew it, I had sent my expression of interest and signed up.
What is D&D, and Why is It Everywhere Now?
For those who haven’t encountered it, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters, embark on adventures, and collaborate to tell a story with the guidance of a Dungeon Master. It’s equal parts strategy, creativity, and improvisation—think collaborative storytelling meets problem-solving with a sprinkle of dice-based fate.
In recent years, D&D has surged in popularity. Shows like Stranger Things have reignited nostalgia and brought the game into mainstream consciousness. What was once seen as a niche hobby for geeks is now celebrated for its ability to foster creativity, connection, and personal growth. My children even had the opportunity to do it as a subject in High School.
D&D and the Autistic Mind.
As an autistic adult, I’ve often struggled with social dynamics, sensory overload, and feeling out of sync with the world around me. But in D&D, the rules of engagement are clear. There are structured turns and predictable mechanics, which won't stifle my freedom to express myself through a character. It's a safe space for exploration through deep, meaningful storytelling. It’s also a space where masking isn’t necessary—if I need time to process, my character can simply be “lost in thought.” If I feel overwhelmed, I can step away without judgment. It’s a great framework for connection and creativity.
Learning New Things at 50? Absolutely!
There’s an unspoken rule in our society that after a certain age, we’re expected to “settle in” rather than explore. But the idea that 50 is too old to learn something new is a myth I’m happy we've shattered. Learning D&D in my fifties is a powerful act of reclaiming joy. It’s proof that growth doesn’t have an expiration date, and that curiosity is a lifelong companion.
I'm sure my first game will be nerve-wracking. I'll be worried for days about feeling out of place, about getting the rules wrong, having a meltdown, or looking foolish. But with the experienced and kind facilitation of Elah who is running the sessions, I'm equally sure that once the first dice are rolled, and the story begins, I will find myself lost in the magic and immersed in a world where creativity has no bounds.
Join me. Roll the dice.
If you're interested in joining me, Bright Star Support Services starts their next 10-week D&D program on Monday 17 February at their offices in Christies Beach. The group runs from 6-8pm. It is for people aged 16+ and is suitable for both seasoned adventures as well as new players like me. Sessions are sensory friendly and include brain breaks. I hope to see you there.
It is my belief that we are never too old to embrace new adventures, never too different to find belonging, and never too late to rewrite the narratives we once believed about ourselves.
To anyone on the fence about trying something new, I say: roll the dice. You might just find the adventure of a lifetime.
With love,
Sharon Claire.
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