Choices Game

Vulnerable young people such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, intellectual disabilities, or social, behavioural and emotional difficulties – often lack the skills to make the right decisions when faced with potentially dangerous scenarios. This fun and interactive game helps to open up discussion and teach young people the social skills they need to stay safe in school and in the wider community.The Choices Game has been specially designed to help older children and teenagers learn how to make positive choices. As players move around the game board, they pick up Choice Cards which invite them to imagine themselves in a scenario and make a choice about how they would respond in that situation. The outcome of their decision is then revealed, and the more safe choices they make the further they progress in the game!This game will be an invaluable tool for teachers, parents, social workers and anyone else teaching social skills and personal safety to young people with special needs or emotional difficulties. It includes a helpful teacher's guide with advice to aid learning through discussion.

Christopher McMaster is a special education teacher working with at risk youths in a local high school. He has previously worked as a special education advisor for the New Zealand Ministry of Education and has extensive teaching experience across the globe, including teaching both mainstream and special education in the USA, UK and New Zealand. He currently resides in Ruatoria, New Zealand.