In and Out of the Box

Most children enjoy board games. They create a unique setting for the learning process that combines many ideal conditions for intellectual growth in young children. While participating in board games, children engage in a higher concentration level as they are playing in roles, following rules, carefully observing their playmates and developing a winning strategy. Children also find board games to be entertaining and challenging, and those who play often considerably improve their skills.
Unfortunately, however, many children with special needs do not participate in board games due to an array of communication, social and learning challenges. They do not have the opportunity to take advantage of the unique learning process presented by board games in a safe and fun setting.
By identifying the difficulties special needs children encounter when playing board games, we can help break down the barriers that exclude them from board games and can help include them in such a valuable learning process.
We have succeeded in creating board games focused on matching exercises which contain the most important and enjoyable elements of a worthwhile board game. Our games focus on helping children engage in suspense, competition, curiosity and motivation to win. With our board games, a special needs child does not encounter the challenges often experienced when playing other games and is able to participate in the game with other non-special needs children. The typical child does not notice that this was developed as a “therapeutic game” designed for children with special needs and is able to enjoy it as a source of entertainment. These games resemble a conventional board game and recreational experience, which encourages special needs children to consistently grow and learn in a fun setting.