Math Games for Kids with Autism

Teaching math to children with autism is challenging on multiple levels. Broad difficulties like the inability to remember a long sequence of instructions, trouble with language skills and the inability to generalize ideas makes math as a subject particularly difficult to master. However, this doesn’t mean that kids with autism cannot be taught math; rather, it takes special teaching approaches and a great deal of patience from the teacher in order to help an autistic child learn and understand math.

Using Math Games for Autistic Kids

For autistic kids, one of the biggest challenges in understanding math is understanding the language of math. While teachers in traditional classrooms use language to explain mathematical concepts, autistic kids with weak language skills cannot benefit at all from this teaching style. Using manipulatives and demonstrating the concepts works far better in this case. 

                                                       

                                            Photo by jimmiehomeschoolmom

There are many simple math games for kids with autism, designed to help them grasp basic concepts with ease. Notice how the following games are structured to appeal to autistic kids.

1.       Find the Number

This math game for kids is very simple and structured, making it easy for children with autism. It helps them master number concept by associating numbers with the visual imagery of dots. 

Cut out large index cards and number them from 1 to 10. Cut out another ten index cards of the same size. Cut out fifty five small dots from foam paper. For each number card, stick a corresponding number of dots on a blank index card. 

Begin with the numbers 1 to 3. Show the child a number card and ask him to give you the corresponding dotted card. Then show the child a dotted card and ask for the corresponding number card. Gradually add more numbers as the child masters the ones you’re practicing. The foam dots are meant to appeal to the child’s sense of touch. You can replace the dotted cards with manipulatives like toy cars or blocks if you think it will work better.

2.       Potato Numbers

This is another math game dealing with number concept. It allows autistic kids to work with their hands and gives them a visual representation of what each number corresponds to.

Cut out a long strip of cardboard about 20” long and 5” wide. Cut out a white strip of paper to cover the cardboard. Glue the paper to the cardboard strip. Draw five lines across the width of the strip, dividing it into six equal parts. Draw another line across the length of the strip dividing it into half. Cut three medium-sized potatoes into half so that each half can sit comfortably in one of the boxes on the strip. Write the numbers from 1 to 6 along the bottom row of the strip and arrange the potatoes in the boxes along the top of the strip.

Give the child 21 toothpicks and have him stick the right number of toothpicks into each potato, corresponding to the number written below it. For a more challenging task, you can write the numbers out of order instead.

These are just a few examples of math games for autistic kids. It is important to remember that no two autistic kids learn the same way. Each child has his or her own set of strengths and weaknesses, and a math game that may work brilliantly with one child may get you nowhere with the second. However, with many broad similarities among kids with autism, you could try the same game with the other kids and find it successful with a few more students in the class.

In general, a trial-and-error method is best when coming up with the best techniques to teach kids with autism. With each trial, analyse the method used to figure out why it worked or not, and use your conclusions when choosing other teaching methods for the same child.