The new board game program for teens and young adults on the autistic spectrum

 

Among many young people on the autistic spectrum, social interaction and communication can be a significant challenge. They often experience difficulties integrating into social activities and developing relationships with their peers, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and lack of belonging. While activities in clubs and afternoon settings often provide a natural opportunity for interaction and social connection, the offerings tailored to those on the autistic spectrum remain limited.

 

In response to this challenge, we at Spark, a research and clinic center for special populations at the University of Haifa, in collaboration with leading gaming companies in Israel, have created a unique social program based on board games. The program is designed to provide teens and young adults on the autistic spectrum with an inclusive and supportive experiential framework to learn, play, and connect.

 

In regular weekly meetings, in small groups divided by age, participants enjoy board games guided by students in the fields of therapy and special education at the University of Haifa. The instructors help participants navigate social interactions, develop relationships with others, and acquire new tools that can help them beyond the program.

 

Participants in the program not only play, but also learn to evaluate and review board games from their unique perspective. In this way, they are active and significant partners in a process that is expected to contribute to the accessibility and development of the gaming and leisure experience of young people across the continuum, their families and their supportive environment.

 

 

The board games, which are at the heart of the group’s activities, offer a structured, fun and screen-free platform to practice and develop social, emotional and cognitive skills face-to-face.

 

Strategy planning, decision-making, cooperation, and understanding the other’s perspective, these are just some of the challenges that board games face. The successes and achievements inherent in the gaming experience may provide a sense of satisfaction and strengthen self-confidence, while losses and disappointments constitute an opportunity to learn to deal with frustration and develop team spirit.

 

Within the group, participants will be exposed to a wide variety of fascinating games – from classic games to modern and innovative games. Each game in its own way may be a significant means of strengthening social ties, both within the group and outside it.