At the end of a long day, every caregiver craves a moment of connection—a time when the whole family can slow down, laugh, and just enjoy being together. One of the most overlooked but powerful ways to strengthen family bonds and build important life skills? Game night.
Whether it’s board games, card games, or interactive movement games, family game night offers far more than entertainment. For children on the autism spectrum, it’s an opportunity to practice communication, patience, flexibility, and social connection—all cornerstones of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
And the best part? Your child won’t even realize they’re working on skills—they’ll just be having fun with the people they trust most.
The Power of Play
Games are a natural setting for learning. They provide structure, motivation, and opportunities for interaction. For children receiving ABA therapy, these play-based moments are not just “break time”—they’re learning labs. With the right game and a little intention, you can help your child develop key social and communication skills right in your living room.
What Skills Are Practiced During Game Night?
There are several important ABA-based skills that can be reinforced during family game night.
Turn-Taking: Many children with autism struggle with waiting or sharing. Structured games like Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, or UNO naturally teach the concept of taking turns. A simple visual cue like “My Turn / Your Turn” cards can help reinforce this.
ABA Tip: Praise your child for waiting, even briefly—“Nice job waiting your turn without grabbing. That’s how we play fair!”
Requesting and Labeling: Games that involve pieces, actions, or choices provide a natural setting for practicing requests, such as “Can I have the red card?” or “I want the dice, please.” Even nonverbal children can use picture exchange, signs, or gestures to participate.
ABA Tip: Pause before handing over a game item. That brief moment creates an opportunity to prompt a request.
Following Rules: Each game comes with its own set of expectations—whether it’s moving a piece, drawing a card, or rolling a die. Practicing rule-following in a fun, low-pressure setting helps children generalize this important skill across other environments, like school and community outings.
ABA Tip: Keep rules clear and consistent, and break them down with pictures or verbal cues if needed.
Flexibility and Coping: Games can have surprises—sometimes you lose a turn, draw the wrong card, or don’t win at all. These moments offer real-life practice in flexibility and coping strategies.
ABA Tip: Prepare your child in advance. Say, “Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t. What can we say if we feel upset?” Reinforce calm responses with praise or a small reward.
Joint Attention and Shared Enjoyment: Laughing together, clapping for others, and making eye contact during play all build connection. These are the building blocks of healthy relationships, and family game night is a beautiful setting to nurture them.
Game Recommendations for Skill Building
If you’re looking to build your game shelf with purpose, here are a few caregiver favorites that target key ABA skills.
- Pop the Pig is a great choice for practicing turn-taking, requesting, and managing the anticipation of surprises. Its simple concept and built-in excitement make it especially engaging.
- Zingo! offers a fast-paced, language-rich experience ideal for practicing matching, labeling, and joint attention.
- Don’t Break the Ice focuses on motor skills, rule-following, and patience. Plus, it’s visually satisfying and fun to play in short bursts.
- UNO teaches color and number recognition while promoting flexibility when plans change mid-game. You can easily simplify the rules for younger players.
- Simon Says is a classic game for developing imitation, listening, and body awareness—all important social communication skills.
Setting the Scene for Success
You can make game night more successful with a few caregiver-friendly strategies. Set clear expectations before play starts, saying something like “We’ll play for 15 minutes. Everyone gets a turn.” Using visual supports, such as a simple timer, turn cards, or “First/Then” boards, can help reduce anxiety and make things run more smoothly. Start small—choose short, easy games to keep attention high and frustration low. Adjust rules as needed to fit your child’s developmental level, and most importantly, focus on progress over perfection. Praise the effort more than the outcome.
When ABA Therapists Join the Fun
Therapists at Cornerstone Autism Center often incorporate games into their sessions. Why? Because learning through play increases motivation and helps children apply their skills in natural ways. If your child has a favorite therapy game, ask their ABA team for tips on how to use it at home. You might be surprised how easily a game becomes a meaningful tool for development.
Let’s Make It a Habit
Life can get busy, and routines often fill up with tasks and transitions. Game night offers a pause—a special time to play, laugh, and enjoy one another without pressure or screens. Caregivers: you’re not just managing behavior—you’re building joy. And when joy is present, learning happens naturally.
Why not make game night a regular tradition? Let your child choose the game, involve siblings, and keep things light and fun. Even ten minutes of focused play can build connection, communication, and confidence. You’re not just playing—you’re preparing your child for real-life skills, one roll of the dice at a time.
Looking for more ideas on how to bring therapy home? The team at Cornerstone Autism Center is always here to help. Let us know how we can support your family’s journey through play and beyond.
