10 Fun Board Games for Autistic Adults to Enjoy

Are you looking for fun activities for autistic adults to enjoy and improve their social skills, sensory needs, and overall quality of life? If so, board games can be a fantastic option. Board games are not only entertaining, but they also provide a range of benefits for individuals on the autism spectrum. From improving social interaction and communication skills to enhancing cognitive development and coordination, board games offer a fun and engaging way for autistic adults to learn new things and grow.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. People with autism may have unique sensory needs and challenges with social skills. Engaging in recreational activities, like playing board games, can help address these needs and provide a platform for learning and development, including improving body awareness through dance therapy or other dance-related activities with an autistic individual.

In this blog, we will explore 10 fun board games that are particularly engaging for autistic adults. These games have been carefully selected based on their ability to promote social interaction, sensory input, and overall enjoyment. Whether you are an autistic adult looking for new ways to have fun or a caregiver seeking activities for your loved one, this blog will provide you with an exciting list of board games to try.

10 Engaging Board Games for Autistic Adults to Play

Now, let's dive into the list of 10 engaging board games that autistic adults can enjoy. Each game offers unique benefits and opportunities for learning and social interaction. From strategic games that enhance planning skills to cooperative games that foster teamwork, there is something for everyone. Let's explore these games in more detail.

1. Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is a strategic board game that challenges players to build train routes and connect cities across a map. This game not only promotes critical thinking and planning skills but also encourages social interaction and communication. Players must negotiate and strategize with one another to complete their routes and block their opponents' progress. Ticket to Ride is a fantastic game for autistic adults to improve their social skills, decision-making abilities, and attention to detail.

2. Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a tile-placement game that requires players to build cities, roads, and farmland. Players take turns placing tiles and strategically positioning their meeples to score points. This game not only promotes motor skills and coordination but also enhances cognitive development by encouraging players to think strategically and plan their moves. Carcassonne is a visually appealing game that can captivate the attention of autistic adults and provide a platform for learning and growth.

3. Codenames

Codenames is a word game that challenges players to communicate and guess words based on clues given by a teammate. This game promotes verbal communication, social interaction, and teamwork. Players must work together to decipher the clues and correctly guess the words while avoiding the opposing team's words. Codenames are an excellent game for autistic adults to improve their communication skills, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their ability to work collaboratively.

4. Chess

Chess, a classic game of strategy, appeals to many autistic adults due to its focus on logic and planning. Playing chess can enhance cognitive skills like problem-solving and decision-making, promoting mental acuity. The structured nature of the game provides a sense of predictability, which can be comforting for individuals on the autism spectrum. Additionally, chess offers a platform for improving concentration and attention to detail, skills that are beneficial in various aspects of life.

5. 7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders Duel is a two-player strategic game that takes place in the ancient world. Players compete to build the most prosperous civilization by constructing buildings, advancing their military, and conducting scientific research. This game challenges players to think strategically, plan ahead, and make strategic decisions.

7 Wonders Duel not only enhances critical thinking and attention span but also encourages players to adapt to their opponent's strategies and develop creative solutions. Autistic adults can benefit from playing 7 Wonders Duel by improving their strategic thinking skills, attention to detail, and ability to analyze complex situations.

6. Battleship

Challenge strategic thinking with Battleship, a game engaging cognitive abilities in autistic adults. Enhancing problem-solving skills, it offers a fun way to boost cognitive development. Through the concealment of ships, players develop spatial awareness and logical reasoning. The game encourages critical thinking and enhances focus, crucial for individuals on the autism spectrum. Battleship provides a structured yet enjoyable platform for honing strategic planning and decision-making skills, making it a valuable addition to recreational activities for autistic adults.

7. Chinese Checkers

Chinese Checkers, a variant of the classic game, offers autistic adults a strategic and visually engaging experience. This game enhances cognitive skills, such as planning and problem-solving, while also promoting social interaction and turn-taking. The colorful board and simple rules make it accessible for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, providing an enjoyable and stimulating activity that can be shared with family and friends. Chinese Checkers, along with other fidget toys like Wacky Tracks, offer a balance of challenge and entertainment, making it a popular choice among autistic adults.

8. Scrabble

Dive into the world of words and strategy with Scrabble, a classic favorite among individuals on the autism spectrum. This game not only enhances vocabulary and spelling skills but also promotes cognitive abilities and critical thinking. Through friendly competition and creative word formations, autistic adults can sharpen their verbal communication and cognitive processing. Scrabble provides a stimulating and engaging way to boost literacy skills while enjoying quality time with friends and family.

9. Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island is a cooperative game where players work together to retrieve ancient treasures from a sinking island. Players must strategize, plan their moves, and work as a team to overcome the challenges presented by the game. Forbidden Island promotes team building, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Autistic adults can benefit from playing this game by improving their ability to work collaboratively, think critically, and adapt to changing circumstances.

10. The Crew

The Crew is a cooperative trick-taking card game that challenges players to complete missions in outer space. Players must communicate and cooperate to achieve their objectives while overcoming various obstacles. This game promotes verbal communication, cooperation, and strategic thinking. Players must effectively communicate their strategies and coordinate their actions to succeed in their missions. The Crew is an engaging and immersive game that can provide autistic adults with opportunities to enhance their verbal communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Understanding the Benefits of Playing Board Games for Autistic Adults

Playing board games can have numerous benefits for autistic adults. These games provide a platform for social interaction, communication, and teamwork. They also stimulate the senses and promote cognitive development, fine motor skills, and attention span.

By engaging in board games, autistic adults can improve their social skills, decision-making abilities, and overall quality of life. Board games offer a fun and engaging way for autistic adults to learn, grow, and connect with others through their hobbies, just like playing video games can.

Plus, it is mostly an indoor activities, which are very great for autistic adults!

Enhancing Social Skills Through Cooperative Play

Cooperative board games, like Pandemic and Forbidden Island, can be particularly beneficial for enhancing social skills in autistic adults. These games for autistic adults require players to work together towards a common goal, fostering communication, cooperation, and teamwork.

By engaging in cooperative play, autistic adults have the opportunity to practice social interaction, develop problem-solving skills, and build relationships with others. The collaborative nature of these games creates a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages autistic adults to express themselves, share ideas, and work together towards a shared objective.

Stimulating Cognitive Development with Strategic Games

Board games for autistic adults can provide a great opportunity for autistic adults to stimulate their cognitive development. Strategic games, in particular, can be highly beneficial in this regard. These types of games require players to think critically, plan ahead, and make strategic decisions. By engaging in strategic games, autistic adults can improve their problem-solving skills, logical reasoning abilities, and decision-making capabilities.

These games also promote cognitive flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations. Additionally, strategic games can enhance focus and attention, which are often areas of challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Overall, by incorporating strategic board games into their recreational activities, autistic adults can foster their cognitive development enjoyably and engagingly.

What Board Games Do Autistic Adults Like?

Board games are very popular among the autistic community. The beauty of board games is their diversity, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, based on common preferences and the benefits board games can offer, here are some general tendencies:

• Cooperative Games: These games foster teamwork and shared goals, reducing competitive pressure. Examples include Pandemic, Forbidden Island, and The Crew.
  
  
• Strategy Games: Many autistic adults excel at strategic thinking and problem-solving. Games like Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, and 7 Wonders can be appealing.
  
  
• Games with Clear Rules: Simple, easy-to-understand rules can reduce anxiety and frustration. Games like Sushi Go, Love Letter, or Azul often fit this category.
  
  
• Visually Appealing Games: Attractive components can enhance the gaming experience. Games with beautiful artwork or thematic elements might be more engaging.
  
  
• Solitaire or Two-Player Games: For those who prefer less social interaction, solitaire or two-player games can be enjoyable. Examples include Ticket to Ride: First Journey, 7 Wonders Duel, or Hive.