Children on the autism spectrum can learn many valuable skills through play. Each game, whether it is a board game, puzzles, group games, or organized sports, lends itself to life lessons that will benefit many children that have been diagnosed with autism.
Here are some of the important lessons that playing will teach your child:
- Listing and following directions – All games have rules that need to be followed and if these rules are ignored, then there are consequences such as disqualification or ridicule from others. By playing board games or participating in organized sports, your child on the spectrum will learn to follow directions, take turns, share and learn how to play well with others.
- Social Skills – Important social skills can be learned and practiced through games and play. These are skills that are essential for developing friendships and learning to work with others. Teaching your child that has been diagnosed with autism to be kind, play fair, shake your opponent’s hand, use eye contact when speaking to others, and to collaborate with others while playing a game or working on a project, are valuable lessons your child can carry with them throughout their lives.
- Academics – Games are a great way to get your child on the spectrum to learn to read, count, add, subtract, learn to put things in sequences etc. Whether the actual game is educational or not, you can turn any game into a source of learning. Have your child read the rules of the game out loud, have them count game pieces or cards, dots on dice or the number of times they throw a ball etc. All of this is practice that is crucial in learning important academic skills.
- Problem Solving – Building blocks, sports and many board games give children the opportunity to learn problem solving skills. When you give your child on the spectrum the opportunity to try things on their own before providing them assistance they will learn to figure out how to overcome struggles.
- Conflict Resolution – Games are a great way to teach your child conflict resolution skills. Many times your child on the spectrum will get frustrated when they lose a game or when they don’t get their way. By teaching your child the importance of team work, listening to others and taking deep breathes to calm themselves before allowing their emotions to get the best of them, you help your child on the spectrum establish order and manage/resolve conflicts.
There are so many great skills your children can learn from playing. So now that you know how much your child on the spectrum can learn from playing games, go enjoy some quality time with your children and see how much they will learn and grow through games and organized sports.