The FIDE Infinite Chess project has spent years demonstrating that chess is far more than a game for children on the autism spectrum. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has grown from a single pilot group into a global movement, using the structure, discipline, and cognitive demands of chess to help children with Autism Spectrum develop communication skills, self-esteem, and essential life skills. Today, the project is active in 33 countries, supporting more than 270 children with autism and co-occurring conditions.
A cornerstone of this global expansion has been the project’s series of educational seminars. To date, eight online and offline seminars have reached more than 350 participants from 95 countries, providing teachers, trainers, and parents with the core knowledge and practical advice needed to bring chess into the lives of autistic children. These gatherings have become a vital space for sharing methodology, addressing behavioral challenges, and celebrating the real-world impact of the programme. As one partner from observed, children in the project “became motivated to come to the lessons” and developed a “buddy system” that improved their social interaction alongside their chess skills.
On Saturday, 5 December, the FIDE Infinite Chess team will continue this tradition with a new educational seminar titled “Chess for Kids with Autism Spectrum.” The session is designed for new partners, current partners, parents, and anyone interested in supporting chess education for children on the autism spectrum.
The seminar will be led by Ala Mishchanka and Natalia Popova, the authors of the Infinite Chess Handbook. Both speakers bring a wealth of experience to the session: Ala Mishchanka is a special needs educational assistant with more than 22 years of experience, while Natalia Popova is a Woman International Master (WIM), FIDE Trainer, and the leader of the first pilot project teaching chess to children with autism.
What to Expect
The seminar will offer a structured, practical walkthrough of the Infinite Chess Handbook, tailored to different stages of the project journey.
For New Partners: The First Edition. The authors will introduce the first edition of the handbook, explaining how to use it effectively, what key points to pay particular attention to, and how to prepare for the project. This segment will equip new partners with the foundational knowledge and confidence to implement the methodology in their own contexts, whether in special education centers, schools, or at home. The handbook itself covers essential topics such as classroom preparation, behavioral strategies, and the particularities of teaching chess to children with autism.
Continuing the Journey: The Second Edition. Following the introduction to the first edition, the speakers will present the second edition of the handbook, created specifically for partners and parents who want to build on their initial experience and deepen their practice. This segment will explore how the material has evolved and how it can support more advanced or sustained engagement with the project.
Live Q&A with the Authors. The seminar will conclude with a dedicated Q&A section, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions directly to Ala Mishchanka and Natalia Popova, clarify practical points, and discuss the materials in detail.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2025
Time: 15:00 CET
Format: Online via Zoom
Speakers: Ala Mishchanka and Natalia Popova, authors of the Infinite Chess Handbook
Registration: https://forms.gle/3teQJe4dgocVKivu9
The Zoom link will be sent after registration.
This seminar is a unique opportunity to learn directly from the architects of the Infinite Chess methodology and to join a global community of educators, partners, and families who believe that chess can be a powerful tool for inclusion and development. Whether you are just beginning your Infinite Chess journey or looking to deepen your practice, the session will provide the guidance and inspiration to take the next step.
Register now to secure your place and receive the Zoom link.