How Minecraft is Helping Children with Developmental Disabilities Connect Socially

Supporting Children with Developmental Disabilities

A non-profit organization based in Osaka, Coconova, has developed an innovative online individual therapy program called GLOBAL GAME. This program specifically caters to children dealing with developmental disabilities and school refusal, leveraging the popular video game, Minecraft, to assist in their social engagement and learning.

What is GLOBAL GAME?

GLOBAL GAME allows children to interact and learn at their own pace, all from the comfort of their homes. The program primarily aims to restore children's connections with society and enhance their motivation by tying activities to their personal interests and strengths. By fostering a fun environment, the primary goal is to instill confidence in children as they experience success in various tasks.

Through GLOBAL GAME, parents are beginning to share uplifting stories about the positive changes their children are undergoing. One parent wrote about her son who, despite experiencing school refusal and the challenges of developmental disabilities (specifically, autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities), started to show significant improvements.

Breaking Down Communication Barriers

For her son, talking with others was a daunting task, and he had difficulty expressing his thoughts. This inability to communicate successfully resulted in ongoing school absenteeism. Thankfully, Minecraft became a gateway for him. It was the one activity he engaged with confidently, and this inspired his mother to enroll him in the GLOBAL GAME.

Initially, her son found it challenging to even communicate with staff members, struggling with basic interactions. However, through consistent engagement with Minecraft, he has gradually become more expressive and assertive. He learned to articulate his desires clearly, fostering a newfound enthusiasm.

In addition to improved communication skills, he has naturally begun to engage with letters and kanji, enhancing his learning through YouTube video explorations. Most notably, after a period of school refusal, he has begun attending school again, showing progress through short visits after school or for brief morning sessions, and even participating in off-campus activities.