Board Games can be an integral part of development for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Let's take a quick look at how this fun hobby can build every day life skills.
SOCIAL SKILLS
Table top board games require communication and interaction. While this can be a red flag for those with ASD, a board game setting can ease social anxiety and uncertainty. Board games can be a great way of teaching acceptance of losing, while being happy for others success. Social skills that can be focused on while playing board games include:
COGNITIVE SKILLS
Those with autism tend to process information differently than those who are not on the spectrum, making it harder for them to filter out irrelevant details or to focus only on what's important. Board games can be a great way for children to practice focusing as well as information processing. Some great ways gaming helps with cognitive skills include:
There has been plenty of research and discussion around this topic, so I'd like to shift to a less visited corner of the board gaming world; cooperative board games.
While a typical board game positions all players against each other; think Candyland or Chutes & Ladders (or Snakes & Ladders for those outside of the United States), cooperative board games have all the players working together towards a common goal. My wife and I started playing cooperative board games a few years ago, and this style of gaming has quickly become our favorite.
Cooperative board games build the same skills as traditional board games, but help break down any remaining hurdles for ASD individuals, such as having a difficult time taking turns or sharing. A cooperative board game could help with this because all players are working together, and planning each players moves can be worked on as a group.
Cooperative board games also instill more of a sense of belonging than their traditional variant. Because the players work in a cooperative format, the individual won't feel the pressure of succeeding or failing alone.
Many cooperative board games can be played with as few as two people, making them a perfect opportunity for one-on-one time with a child and therapist, or with a group of more.
The joy of board games can be lifelong, even helping adults with autism. Having a scheduled board game time in regular intervals (weekly, bi-monthly, etc.) facilitates social interaction in a well-defined setting, without the pressure of small talk. There may still be small talk involved, however because everyone is together for the same goal, playing the board game, there will be less of a feeling of being "out of place", making it easier to interact with others.
Keep in mind that like any board game, cooperative board games can vary greatly in terms of age appropriateness, learning curve, amount and size of pieces, difficulty in setting up, and more. Research the game carefully before diving in.
Drop us a line here and let us know your favorite board game, whether it's cooperative or not. Happy gaming!
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