In German: Problemlösungs-Spiel
In my work as a psychotherapist and social skills trainer in individual and group settings, I spent years developing game-like activities to engage autistic youth in learning challenging social and emotional skills. The Fix the Problem Game evolved over about ten years of experimentation and refinement. Children and teens usually like it a lot. It is frequently downloaded by users of this website, who have provided positive feedback regarding its usefulness.
The first download includes 40 first-person character scenarios to read aloud, representing a wide range of social and emotional problems.
Also included are 40 game character cards (shown above), to cut out or display on a screen.
Special game money (shown above) is provided. You give it out to players who provide the most useful suggestions on “fixing the problem” presented by the game character.
This 5-dollar game money (shown above) is harder to earn – the player must describe a time when they themselves experience the problem described by the game character.
More about the Fix The Problem Game
Children with autism spectrum disorders often get tired of scrutiny and criticism. They may be quite aware of their need to work on things like conversation, social skills and difficult emotions. But it can feel confrontational and discouraging to have parents, teachers and therapists pointing out their problems all the time.
The Fix the Problem Game takes a different approach which many children find more relaxed, engaging and even fun. Rather than zeroing in immediately on the child’s own difficulties, we back off and look at other people’s problems instead. Often, when children learn about somebody else’s problem, they are able to examine the situation objectively and come up with useful solutions. This indirect problem solving seems less personal – more like a game or puzzle. Then, once children experience the success of solving a hypothetical problem, they are more open to an examination of their own issues.
The Fix the Problem Game is designed to help children with ASD to examine their own social and emotional challenges by engaging them in the process of analyzing somebody else’s problems first. The game features 40 child characters and 40 first-person scenarios, each describing problems experienced by many young people on the spectrum. For each scenario, the reader is asked by the game character to “fix my problem.” Afterwards, the game questions ask, “What about you? Have you ever had a problem like this?”
After experiencing success helping game characters, children are often more insightful and confident with their work on their own similar problems.
Don’t miss these other free social & emotional skills games, worksheets and teaching / therapy resources for children & teens with ASD:
Free social skills games & activities, emotional regulation skills for kids with ASD
Free social skills games & activities, communication / conversation skills for kids with ASD
Free social skills games & activities, social interaction skills for kids with ASD
