Every April world celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
Autism spectrum affects millions of children worldwide across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, and is nearly four times more common among boys than girls. The condition is particularly challenging for parents, who have long had to deal with limited access to care, lack of treatment options, and the general stigma associated with autism. But thanks to parents’ activism and advances in scientific research, autism is much better understood nowadays.
Autism varies greatly from person to person. No two individuals with autism are alike, which is why it’s referred to as a spectrum. Common characteristics include difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
“With globally estimated prevalence of about 1 in 100 children, some countries report higher rates, with approximately 1 per 100,000 people. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to improving outcomes for individuals with autism.”- shares Ala Mishchanka, special needs educational assistant, co-author of the Infinite chess Handbook (Canada)
At Infinite Chess, we believe in the power of chess to foster inclusion, support, and growth for everyone, especially those on the autism spectrum.
“You might have learned that autism is not a disability; it is a special ability. But how to make use of it? And our answer would be to use chess as a discipline that might not only give enjoyment, satisfaction and pleasure to these special kids but also improve their physical and mental wellbeing,” noted Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board and Infinite Chess project Supervisor Dana Reizniece.
Creating supportive environments for individuals with autism involves understanding their unique needs and strengths. Chess is a game that offers numerous benefits for such individuals. It provides a structured environment that can help improve focus, enhance cognitive skills, and promote social interaction.
“Some sports can be challenging for kids with autism spectrum; that’s why it is important to help children choose sports they are likely to enjoy and excel at”, says Maria Tamkovich, Infinite Chess project coordinator. “But not every sport requires high-level communication and cooperation and could be a great match for children with autism. Chess is definitely one of them.”
- Here are some ways chess can be particularly beneficial:
- Structured Environment: The clear rules and predictable nature of chess can be comforting for individuals with autism, providing a sense of stability and order.
- Cognitive Development: Chess encourages strategic thinking, problem-solving, and memory enhancement, which are valuable skills for everyone.
- Social Interaction: Playing chess can help improve communication and social skills, offering a platform for positive interactions and relationship-building.
Leader of the project Anastasia Sorokina is sure that “autism awareness is about more than just understanding the disorder; it’s about fostering acceptance and inclusion worldwide. By educating ourselves and others, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with autism are valued and supported. This is one of the main goals for our project.”
To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, Infinite Chess in cooperation with Kazakhstan Chess Federation and numerous project partners worldwide is organizing a series of events and activities designed to promote inclusion and support for individuals with autism.
- Online Chess Meetup on 6 April at 12:00 CEST, zoom: Hosting educators, parents, and tutors on how to increase awareness and use chess as a tool for supporting individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions.
Register now and be part of a community that believes in the infinite potential of every child!
- Offline Autism Talks, 6 April at 10:00, Almaty, Kazakhstan: Encouraging our community to share their own stories and experiences with autism and chess, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
- Simulations chess exhibition for kids in support of the Autism Awareness month in frames of Asian Zonal Chess Championship on 6 April 2025.
Get Involved and Spread the Word!
We invite all members of the chess family to join us in celebrating Autism Awareness Month. If you are planning any activities or events, please share them with us so we can highlight them on our social media platforms. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and supportive community.