10 Ways Games Help Enrich the Lives of Children Living With Autism
Raising a child living with autism can be a challenge. Finding ways to help your child cope and increase their ability to get outside their box can be hard to do. Let me tell you how playing board games with your child with help them but in turn, help YOU as their parent!
1. No Concern of Overstimulation
Children with autism typically have a higher sensitivity to both lights and sounds. Often, lights are extra bright and most sounds are way too loud. What seems like a normal atmosphere for some, someone with autism can quickly become overstimulated and stressed. Board games typically do not have any lights or loud sounds, making board games a great option!
2. Socialization Skills
Developing great social skills is usually one of the highest difficulties when it comes to children with autism. It takes a whole lot of hard work and determination on the parent’s end to enhance those skills to the highest level possible. Since board games require a minimum of 2 players, children will be encouraged to interact socially with other players.
3. Self- Esteem Booster
Children with autism can often get frustrated with themselves for not feeling “normal”. Games can be a great way to allow your child to use their abilities to make great moves or even win the game which builds their self-esteem.
Ravensburger 3D Puzzle is a great option to enhance your child’s self-esteem. Being able to see a completed project is a great way to build their self-esteem!
4. Enhance Motor Skills
Sensory issues can keep a child from using their motor skills. Playing games allows a child to calmly use their motor skills without over stimulation.
Flight of the Jaquins by Wonder Forge, based off Disney’s Elena of Avalor, has small toy like game pieces which are a great way to increase those motor skills! Since there are 3 different level options to choose from, it makes it a great option to be able to play based on what your child is capable of!
5. Provides Entertainment That Feels Safe
One comfort that is pretty common among children with autism is having a routine. Games give a child a sense of comfort since they follow predictable rules. Although, a child can be introduced to small changes throughout the game which helps them to become more comfortable with change over time.
6. Takes the Pressure Off Social Interactions
The center focus of board games is the game board itself. Sure, a child can look up at his opponents but the pressure is off when he or she knows that others are focused on the game itself. Eye contact can shut a child with autism down. There is very little eye contact though during game time!
7. Great Way for the Family to Connect
Finding something in common and learning to connect with children living with autism can be very difficult for family and friends. Games give a family a way to connect with each other. The time full of laughter will quickly become a bonding time and full od great memories for the entire family.
8. Learning to Wait Their Turn
All children need the added teachings of how to wait their turn. Impatience is naturally bred within a child. Games are a great way to strengthen your child’s patience.
9. Chance to Talk About Their Emotions
Since games create a cycle of ups and downs with emotions, it will be a great time to casually discuss emotions. Understanding emotions is often very difficult for children with autism. Break down the barrier through helping your child understand the cycle of emotions they will feel and teach them the appropriate ways to express those emotions.
10. Learn How to Follow Directions
As with any child, following directions is learned through being constantly given directions and rewarded for following those directions. Games are a great way to teach following directions in a fun way. Seeing the result of what happens when they follow rules, is a rewarding experience that will also be teaching them the valuable life skill!
Since Despicable Me3 Linked Up Game by Wonder Forge is easy to learn, this is a great game to teach your child how following the directions and using some strategy will help them win!
