From
teaching them math to improve their social skills, board games can be
beneficial for your child in several ways.
Board
games are beneficial for the cognitive development of kids with autism. These
games require turn-taking, social problem solving, attention to other players,
and reasoning skills. This is why you should encourage your child with autism
to play board games.
Below
we have summarized some of the key advantages that board games can deliver as
well as things you should be aware of while selecting a board games for your child with autism.
Improved
Communication Skills:
Considering
that children with autism tend to think visually rather than in words, board
games having symbols and colors can give a medium to them to express themselves
and communicate. They may be able see and remember visual details quickly.
They
Learn Math:
Most
board games are based on the concept of calculations, counting, matching
numbers, colors, and geometric shapes or using patterns. Such games promote
mathematic skills. Most children that have a severe form of autism can master
basic math operations and can easily identify spatial or number patterns. Board
games that have the “math” part let kids to practice, improve and demonstrate
their knowledge of calculation.
Kids
Learn How to Take Turns:
Turn
taking is an important social etiquette, and as with many other social
etiquettes, children with autism can find it difficult to understand. With
board games, players generally wait for their turn to make a move. This is why
board games can help autistic children learn about turn taking.
They
Get An Opportunity to Interact with Each Others:
Social
skills are important for autistic children as they learn how to talk to others
or how to make eye contact. Board games can help your kids learn social skills
as it is played with more than one player. Socialization with other kids and
adults can aid kids in skills they’ve learned in therapy and apply them to
everyday situations they come across.
They
Learn How to Handle Frustrations and Emotions:
Games
teach kids how to win and how to accept defeat. Learning how to accept defeat
is an important skill for all children to learn. Board games are also
beneficial for autistic children as they sometimes have trouble controlling
strong emotions.
Improved
Mental Ability and Motor Skills:
Puzzles
and complicated “scenarios” set in board games test kids’ wisdom. The games
stress their cognitive functions by testing their memory, planning and problem
solving skills. These games can also improve their motor skills and eye-hand
coordination.
What
are Useful Board Games for Kids with Autism?
There
is a plethora of board games to choose from. To make your search easier, here
we have listed some board games that offer everything mentioned in the above
benefits.
- Rory’s Magic
Cubes
- Candy Land
- Ticket to Ride
- Monopoly
- Connect Four
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