This month I picked a game I discovered during a TV segment last month. Traditional Rubik’s Cubes are often considered great for kids on the spectrum, because of their strategy and figdet-friendly aspects. But this new spin on the Rubik’s Cube, a game called Rubik’s Race, has even more benefits and more play potential for children on the spectrum.
Rubik’s Race is part Rubik’s Cube, part sliding puzzle, combining two of the most classic and popular logic games. Made by University Games, Rubik’s Race adds some friendly competition to work on social skills. Plus, it provides a outlet way to work on sequencing and patterning abilities.
The game is officially designed for players ages 7 and up. Two players race to slide their colored tiles to match the pattern on the included scrambler. Whomever does that first, wins. There are also fun alternate ways to play the game, as included with the product. There is a Relay Race, where you race to see who can create the four provided patterns in sequence first. Or, players can engage in a Three Color Contest, where players trade tiles so you each have eight tiles of three colors, and then race to complete the provided patterns.
Therapy Play
Caregivers and therapists may want to consider taking out the game element. Shake the scrambler and ask the child to copy the pattern alone. As they master it, add a challenge in the form of a timer. See if they can complete the pattern in under 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, etc., and without any maladaptive behaviors.
Or, the caregiver or therapist can create a pattern themselves on one side of the board, and ask the child to match every tile on their side. To be a bit more playful, encourage the child to make their own pattern that you have to match! Let them lead. As you try to match, perhaps make a few ‘mistakes’ and see if they can help you fix it!
Once they have mastered solo play, add a peer to work on the competitive element as the game is intended. Due to its strategic, logic, social and patterning skills, and fun play potential for all members of the family, Rubik’s Race is my pick this month. Bonus: It can be easily stored and transported to bring to various ABA sessions, or on the road, too!
Happy playing!
