The popularity of D&D with people on the spectrum is similar to the popularity of fantasy/sci-fi lit and games and movies for the same population group, and for the same reasons (ime): technical abstractions and a strong focus on "systems" ('logical' magic systems are valorized over 'illogical' ones), often simplistic characters with very clear telegraphed and consistent archetypes, plots with heavy focus on simpler good vs. evil conflict, more chances to identify with non-human characters (a vehicle for expressing divergent thought processes/behaviors).
The difference maker seems to be that well done D&D games, with good DMs, force the players to interact with each other and problem solve together. Which, to me, suggests there's nothing particularly special about D&D beside it being something that people on the spectrum like --- what is special is the social interaction and problem solving. It would be interesting to see how gender plays into further studies. In my experience, autism in women can often look quite different than autism in men (generalizing of course).
The difference maker seems to be that well done D&D games, with good DMs, force the players to interact with each other and problem solve together. Which, to me, suggests there's nothing particularly special about D&D beside it being something that people on the spectrum like --- what is special is the social interaction and problem solving. It would be interesting to see how gender plays into further studies. In my experience, autism in women can often look quite different than autism in men (generalizing of course).