Innovative Therapy: Dungeons & Dragons Helps Neurodivergent Kids Build Social Skills
Goblin therapy: B.C. researcher taps magic of Dungeons & Dragons to help kids
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Cody Rueger, a child therapist in Victoria, British Columbia, is using Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) as a therapeutic tool to help neurodivergent children develop social skills and confidence. The engaging format allows kids to communicate through play, fostering connections and personal growth in a supportive environment.
- 01Cody Rueger is using Dungeons & Dragons as a therapy tool for neurodivergent children.
- 02The game encourages communication and social skills through imaginative play.
- 03Research suggests skills learned in immersive games can transfer to real-life situations.
- 04Similar programs have gained popularity across Canada, including one by Jonathan Smith in Oshawa, Ontario.
- 05The demand for such therapy-focused gaming sessions is growing, with waitlists forming.
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Cody Rueger, a child therapist in Victoria, British Columbia, is exploring the therapeutic potential of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) for neurodivergent children. By adapting the popular role-playing game, Rueger aims to help kids who struggle with social interactions build confidence and communication skills through play. Each session begins with an emotional check-in, followed by gameplay that allows participants to create characters and work towards personal goals. This approach not only makes therapy enjoyable but also promotes social bonding in a structured environment. Research indicates that skills learned in such immersive games can carry over into real-life situations, a concept known as 'bleed.' Similar initiatives, like one led by Jonathan Smith at Trent University in Oshawa, Ontario, have also gained traction, highlighting a growing interest in using role-playing games for therapeutic purposes. Rueger's program has seen overwhelming demand, leading to waitlists, and he hopes to expand offerings to meet the needs of more children seeking social skills training through play.
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This innovative therapy approach provides neurodivergent children with a supportive space to develop essential social skills, potentially improving their interactions in everyday life.
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