Games for Autistic Children
Autism is a developmental disorder which affects around 1-2 people per 1000 in the world. The disorder affects various behaviours including verbal and non-verbal communication skills and the inability to interact socially. There is no known cure for autism, since it is not so much a disease as simply a different way for the brain to be wired. However, learning strategies can be employed to help those with the disorder cope with the challenges of interacting in a world where most of the inhabitants have very different ways of interacting and functioning together. For young autistic children, a great way to help develop these skills is by playing games designed specifically for children with autism. Here are some ideas for interactive games which parents with autistic children should consider to help them play and develop – whilst also strengthening your bond with them.
For a start, many autistic children respond well to games relating to logic and reason, and you can help their development by incorporating these factors into games which also help with learning to interact socially with other. A great example is Word Vine, which is geared towards improving a child’s vocabulary and reading skills, allowing them to relate together words and categories which allow for basic understanding of words, as well as encouraging them to learn basic problem solving and deductive reasoning skills to help them feel more at ease within public environments.
Another good type of game is attention and listening games. Autism can impair a child’s ability to concentrate and interact with external stimuli. However, one great method for tackling this is through music. Check out games such as Music – Mozart, which offers both visual and auditory stimulation in a relaxing atmosphere.
Another enjoyable activity for autistic children is games which involve lots of abstract fiction. A great example is animation games, which are a good opportunity to allow your child to develop their creative skills. This will enable them to express themselves within a safe environment in which they can feel in control.
Finally, try out some matching games which are simple, easy to play and fun. Matching games are a great way to teaching your child to use logic to navigate and explain their environment, as well as their memory skills and their ability to identify and recognise different objects. A really good one is Animal Bingo, which enables children not just to identify different kinds of animals, but also to match them with what sounds they make. This allows them to develop their reasoning and understanding skills.
Whilst your child is playing and learning, you might be looking for some fun bingo games for you to play yourself, on various online bingo sites. If you fancy a distraction and maybe even winning some cash, you can always play a bingo game on bingolucks, a fun bingo site which allows you to win real money.
Games which allow your child to develop these skills will be of great help to them later in later life. Through encouragement and enthusiasm, they can pick up skills which will enable them to relate to the world around them and to others in social interactions with much more ease. This, in turn, will help improve their confidence and their overall development.