Reading Sage: Games for Autistic Children and Adults

Can Games Improve Autistic Children and Adults Executive Functioning Skills and Theory of Mind?

Executive functions are a set of critical cognitive processes – including learning positive behaviors, attentional control, cooperation, self-control (inhibitory control), working memory, and cognitive flexibility, as well as reasoning, problem-solving, and planning – that are necessary for the cognitive control of social-emotional behaviors. Executive functions gradually develop and change across the lifespan of an individual and can be improved at any time over the course of a person's life. Similarly, these cognitive processes can be modified, improved and affected by a variety of activities including playing board games which affect an individual quality of life.

Theory of mind (often abbreviated ToM) is the ability to attribute cognitive states— perspectives, beliefs, intents, desires, empathy, knowledge, etc.—to oneself and others and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, intentions, and perspectives that are different from one's own. Deficits can occur in people with autism spectrum disorders and can impact the quality of social interactions in a family. By playing games that require cooperation, taking turns, planning, sharing, and patience, many social skills related to ToM are improved.

Successful Kids Patch Products Blunders Board Game

by Successful Kids