Foraging Island is a board game designed to foster social skills development and encourage positive interactions among youth with social challenges. It was developed in partnership with the Center for All Abilities' Outshine program, an intergenerational and neurodiverse group in Manhattan, NY. The game features a variety of sensory components, including visual, tactile, and physical movements, making it engaging for all players and providing valuable sensory input for individuals with hyposensitivity. Two types of boards are developed according to the variety of abilities and preferences of individuals with autism: printed one that can be assembled like a jigsaw puzzle, and tactile one that is more flexible for free play.
Although the ability varies from person to person, participating in social activities and developing friendships can be challenging for people with autism compared with their neurotypical peers. Lack of social skills and inappropriate social expressions, rather than the lack of desire to socialize, are probably the two factors leading to their lower social participation rates.
Crafted with care, the board game Foraging Island provides a controlled and constructive, yet enjoyable and supportive social atmosphere for social skill group and family scenario. Participants can express emotions through various art forms and body movements in a natural and relaxed state, and also learn social skills such as taking turns, active listening, and being patient. The flexibility of board games allows participants to adapt to diverse needs, facilitating gradual adjustment to social environments.
Foraging Island's distinctive features include a rich blend of sensory components—visual, tactile, and physical movements. This not only captivates players but also offers valuable sensory input, particularly beneficial for those with hyposensitivity. Positive feedback was received from the game sections, follow-up surveys, and expert interviews regarding aesthetic attractiveness, the potential benefits in improving concentration, motor skill and social skill development, and game engagement.
The game's dynamic and evolving plot allows players to shape their individual stories through choices and actions. Characters with unique traits and skills add strategic depth to the gameplay, encouraging experimentation and personalized storylines with the freedom to switch perspectives in each round. The unboxing experience feels like opening a gift, instantly captivating users and enticing them to engage with the game.