Board Games for Autistic Adults: How They Help Boost Communication & Creativity
Laura NG, MA BCBA
Clinical Operations Manager
Board games offer more than just a way to pass time—they can also promote growth, connection, and fun, especially for autistic adults. Whether it’s strategic cooperative games that boost teamwork, visual games that enhance memory, or role-playing adventures that encourage creativity, board games can cater to various interests and needs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best options that combine entertainment with the therapeutic benefits of cognitive development, social interaction, and emotional well-being for autistic adults.
Top Board Games for Autistic Adults
The world of board games is brimming with options catering to diverse interests and preferences, especially for board gamers. Determining the best board games for autistic adults is subjective, as preferences vary.
However, some games stand out for their adaptability, clear rules, and engaging gameplay, making them particularly suitable for board gamers.
Let's explore categories of games that have proven popular!
1. Cooperative Strategy Games for Team Building
Cooperative strategy games offer a fantastic avenue for autistic adults to develop teamwork and communication skills. In these games, players collaborate towards a common goal, fostering a sense of camaraderie. The shared objective encourages communication, strategic thinking, and negotiation as players pool their skills and resources to overcome challenges.
Games like Pandemic, Forbidden Island, and Spirit Island are excellent examples of cooperative strategy games that promote team building and social interaction in an enjoyable and engaging manner.
2. Visual and Memory Board Games for Cognitive Enhancement
Visual and memory board games provide a stimulating and enjoyable way to enhance cognitive skills. These games often involve pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and memory recall, providing a mental workout.
Some popular choices include:
- Sequence: A classic game involving strategy and pattern recognition.
- Dixit: A visually stunning game encouraging creative thinking and interpretation.
- Concept: A game of communication and association using universal icons.
These board games challenge cognitive flexibility and offer a fun way to exercise memory and attention to detail.
3. Role-Playing Games for Social Interaction and Creativity
Role-playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons provide a unique platform for social interaction and creative expression, allowing participants to escape from real life.
Participants embody fictional characters, embarking on imaginative adventures together. These games encourage improvisation, storytelling, and problem-solving within a structured framework.
RPGs provide a safe space for autistic adults to explore social dynamics, experiment with different personas, and develop their narrative skills, all while engaging in a shared, imaginative experience.
4. Puzzle-Based Games for Problem-Solving Skills
Puzzle-based games are known for their ability to sharpen problem-solving skills and strategic planning. These games often present logical challenges, spatial puzzles, or deductive reasoning tasks that require concentration and critical thinking to solve.
Classics like Sudoku and Tetris fall into this category, alongside modern board games such as Azul and Sagrada. By engaging with puzzle-based games, autistic adults can enhance their analytical thinking, spatial reasoning, and ability to develop effective strategies.
5. Classic Board Games with Simple Rules for Easy Enjoyment
Classic board games with clear, simple rules offer a familiar and comfortable starting point for board game enjoyment. Chess, checkers, and backgammon are timeless examples that emphasize strategic thinking and planning within a well-defined structure.
These games provide an opportunity to relax, socialize, and engage in friendly competition without overwhelming complexity or the pressure of small talk. The familiar rules and straightforward gameplay offer a comfortable environment for autistic adults to enjoy the social and cognitive benefits of board games.
Benefits of Board Games for Autistic Adults
Beyond pure entertainment, board games offer numerous benefits for autistic adults. Regularly engaging with these games can have a positive impact on various aspects of their lives. From enhancing communication and social skills to promoting cognitive development and emotional well-being, board games can be a valuable tool for autistic individuals.
Enhancing Communication Skills Through Play
Board games and video games act as a natural platform for enhancing communication skills, particularly in social situations. The structured environment of a game provides clear cues and expectations, making it easier for autistic adults to navigate social interactions.
Many games involve explaining rules, taking turns, and engaging in lighthearted banter, all of which contribute to developing communication skills. Through play, autistic individuals can practice interpreting social cues, responding appropriately, and expressing themselves confidently.
Building a Sense of Community and Belonging
Participating in board game sessions can foster a sense of community and belonging for autistic adults. Shared interests and hobbies serve as a bridge for connecting with others, and board games provide a structured and engaging activity with a known set of rules for socialization.
Regular game nights or meetups centered around board games can create a sense of routine and predictability, which can be particularly comforting for autistic individuals. Within these spaces, they can interact with like-minded peers, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging.
Improving Concentration and Attention to Detail
Many board games demand focus and concentration, making them beneficial for improving attention to detail. These games often involve tracking multiple elements, analyzing information, and making strategic decisions, all of which exercise cognitive skills related to attention.
Whether it's keeping track of resources in a strategy game or remembering card combinations in a memory game, board games provide a fun and stimulating way to enhance concentration. The engaging nature of gameplay helps to maintain focus and improve attention span.
Conclusion
Board games offer a platform for inclusive fun and skill development for autistic adults. From enhancing communication to fostering community bonds and boosting concentration, these games cater to various needs. By selecting games that align with cognitive strengths and preferences, caregivers can create engaging experiences that promote social interaction and creativity. Empower individuals with the joy of play and skill-building.
At Level Ahead ABA, we’re dedicated to helping individuals with autism thrive, whether through play or our tailored ABA therapy services. If you're interested in learning more about our services, feel free to reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of board games are best for autistic adults?
Board games that encourage social interaction, cognitive growth, and creativity, such as cooperative strategy games, visual memory games, and role-playing games, are ideal for autistic adults.
Can board games help autistic adults with social skills?
Yes, many board games encourage teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking, helping autistic adults develop social skills in a structured and enjoyable environment.
How do I choose the right board game for an autistic adult?
Consider their personal interests, cognitive strengths, and preferences for game complexity. Games with clear rules, adjustable difficulty, and minimal sensory overload are often the best choices.
Related Posts
Level Ahead brings the excellence of a results-driven ABA intervention program to children on the autism spectrum, by providing quality in-home ABA therapy in Georgia and Nebraska.
Contact
Corporate Number:
404-282-5954
Fax: (332) 777-1719
Georgia
1055 Howell Mill Rd
Atlanta, GA 30318
320 W Lanier Ave
Fayetteville, GA 30214
160 Clairemont Ave
Suite 200
Decatur, GA 30030
Nebraska
US Bank Building
233 South 13th St.
Lincoln, NE 68508