This post is an excerpt from the article in Newsweek describing a recent study from the University of Plymouth that explores the connection between people with autism and their affinity for board games. If you would like to get in touch with All About Kids for ABA services and evaluations, please click here:
The researchers went on to interview 13 survey participants who had been diagnosed with autism in depth about their experiences with board games and how they felt the hobby interacted with their symptoms. Next, the researchers drew together 28 individuals with autism who had not tried the hobby before. After an afternoon playing board games, the group were asked about their experience.
Lastly, the team analyzed the effects of a two-year intervention involving weekly board gaming sessions in adults and adolescents with autism. Across all studies, participants reported feelings of community, independence and new skills, as well as an alternative method for forging social relationships.
“The findings as a whole aren’t a shock, but what is surprising is the lack of evidence underpinning board game use as an intervention for people with autism,” Atherton said. “Hearing the feedback from the study participants was really motivating to try and push this forward in different settings.” The researchers hope that their findings will be used to inform the design of future wellbeing interventions for people with autism, while also potentially exploring ways to adapt existing board games to be even more accessible and enjoyable to this community.
Read the full article in Newsweek here.
