[senco-forum] Autism and playtime/lunch

As an artist 'imagination' is an interesting area/concept.  For some reason
Gamesworkshop/fantasy wargaming really engages the ASD pupils.  The autistic
pupils who play the game get very involved and animated.  They become
preocupied by the 'rules' and are the first to learn them.  Another aspect
of gamesworkshop is the 'fluff' which other systems such as Dungeons and
Dragons hasn't developed as well.  Fluff is the background to each race, the
fictional 'history' of the Warhammer world.  The ASD players really get into
this and can relay to you the battles and wars that their army has fought
in.  The 'fluff' builds into an imaginary world that they feed off.

Without a doubt they find developing their playing skills difficult perhaps
because they lack the imagination to learn from their failures.  The average
player will try different tactics learning from their previous successes and
failures, trying new tactics, perhaps 'risking all' in a desperate action.
The ASD pupils play safe preferring to continue with failed tactics in the
hope they might work (or perhaps they worked once before).  Thinking 'out of
the box' is extremely difficult for them.

The advantage of Gameworkshop is the way they've constructed the fluff and
the races.  Each has it's different strengths and weaknesses that offer each
player something to suit their approach to tactics and playing strategies.
The downside is the cost!

Great monthly magazine that as a registered school club you get free.

Richard

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk]On Behalf Of
Chrisgier at aol.com
Sent: 19 August 2006 12:06
To: Olanys at aol.com; senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: Re: [senco-forum] Autism and playtime/lunch

I've been thinking that the Art department could get involved too, possibly
making scenery with kids at lunchtime etc. My only concern is that some of
the
 pupils with aspergers may find the "imaginary" aspect to the game
difficult,
but  it has to be worth a go!

Chris