Way back when David (now 8) had just recently turned three...before we had any worries about his development and no clue about AS, I got out a chess set and tried to teach him a bit about the game. Mind you, I was/am a total novice at chess...but I know which way the different pieces move, and he had shown an aptitude for that type of stuff. Anyway, here I was, playing chess with my three year-old, and guess what? He won. Like I said, I'm a novice; a gorilla would have a fairly decent chance of winning a game of chess with me. But we played a real game, and he won! Twice, actually!
He has never wanted to play chess since then (or anything similar). Soon after that time, we began seeing the more negative side of AS and his mood disorder started, so in some ways we kind of lost a couple years. Occasionally, I mention chess to him, and he wants nothing to do with it, because "it isn't all about Space Aliens, so it's NOT fun." Also, when he was little, like up to age 3, he had an astounding attention span. He could focus on an activity for HOURS, even as a baby. Now, he still can, but ONLY for certain things that he's interested in. There are many,many things that he has decided he is UNinterested in, and for those things he has zero attention span. In fact, DH and I can't play chess near him without him whining and carrying on about how boring it it. It's a shame.
I hope Liam continues to be interested in chess. That's pretty cool.
Yup....my guy started playing around 4 or 5......his dad is a big chess player so he got him interested in it pretty early.....he still plays....better than me...LOL!
Mike's buddy Eli has played forever. Eli is a gifted little dude with LD's and ADHD. Because of this mix of giftedness and the other he can appear Aspergers but he is not (been tested numerous times with numerous folks. He was Mike's protector at his old school), but quirky none the less.
Eli tried to get Mike to play but he just can't get it for some reason. Too much to remember, to much to comprehend I think though he did get how to move all the pieces after a bit. So Eli would beat him every time. But Mike still enjoyed it alot. Eli is a neat kid and he reads Mike like a book. He would figure out ways to tell Mike how to move so he could win sometimes too.
Yes, My son Noah (9) AS has been playing since 1st grade- he attends a gifted school and they have chess club after school for an hour every Monday. He also has attended tournaments and won as high as 4th place - truly amazing to us. It is a blessing because during chess club he is forced to find a partner to play with so gets crucial interaction with kids older and younger. He's still definitely an Aspie because we had to teach him not to criticize his opponents moves or be THE rule enforcer, or stim during tournaments. Not sure he will continue with chess as he gets older but it really seems to "fit" the way his brain works. He can see things I can't that's for sure! Jane
Have you considered the computer-based chess games? You can get "Battle Chess" where the characters fight and explode each other (the Queen is cool). I think there is even a computer version of "Wizard's Chess" from HP, which may interesting to a Certain Someone I know...
Nathan is like Mike. I don't think he'd be able to play chess either. He has a hard time with learning checkers right now. I agree about the confusion thing...and so many things to remember. Nathan does ok with the board games. But he just doesn't quite understand some games, and if he doesn't "get it"...he won't play!! lol
Yes, Malcolm apparently plays pretty well, but as this is something he has learned and does at school(s) and day camp and after school program at nearby community center, I have never seen him play. I know he enjoys chess. Sometimes he plays the computer or one of those online chess sites, but he won't play me. Sometimes he reads books about chess. He plays every week, but I don't hear about the games unless I ask. I feel like sneaking to watch him at chess club and hiding behind a pillar or something.
Dee, I just realized you are pregnant! Congrats! When is the baby due? Are you going to find out the sex? You must be feeling tired. Well, good luck and I hope you are not feeling too sick. Slainte, Teresa
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My goodness, isn't funny how advanced they can be? Chess is very advanced. I don't know many adults who play it well.
Kelly
I think it's awesome that Liam is playing chess!
Way back when David (now 8) had just recently turned three...before we had any worries about his development and no clue about AS, I got out a chess set and tried to teach him a bit about the game. Mind you, I was/am a total novice at chess...but I know which way the different pieces move, and he had shown an aptitude for that type of stuff. Anyway, here I was, playing chess with my three year-old, and guess what? He won. Like I said, I'm a novice; a gorilla would have a fairly decent chance of winning a game of chess with me. But we played a real game, and he won! Twice, actually!
He has never wanted to play chess since then (or anything similar). Soon after that time, we began seeing the more negative side of AS and his mood disorder started, so in some ways we kind of lost a couple years. Occasionally, I mention chess to him, and he wants nothing to do with it, because "it isn't all about Space Aliens, so it's NOT fun." Also, when he was little, like up to age 3, he had an astounding attention span. He could focus on an activity for HOURS, even as a baby. Now, he still can, but ONLY for certain things that he's interested in. There are many,many things that he has decided he is UNinterested in, and for those things he has zero attention span. In fact, DH and I can't play chess near him without him whining and carrying on about how boring it it. It's a shame.
I hope Liam continues to be interested in chess. That's pretty cool.
Evelyn
Yup....my guy started playing around 4 or 5......his dad is a big chess player so he got him interested in it pretty early.....he still plays....better than me...LOL!
Christie
Mike's buddy Eli has played forever. Eli is a gifted little dude with LD's and ADHD. Because of this mix of giftedness and the other he can appear Aspergers but he is not (been tested numerous times with numerous folks. He was Mike's protector at his old school), but quirky none the less.
Eli tried to get Mike to play but he just can't get it for some reason. Too much to remember, to much to comprehend I think though he did get how to move all the pieces after a bit. So Eli would beat him every time. But Mike still enjoyed it alot. Eli is a neat kid and he reads Mike like a book. He would figure out ways to tell Mike how to move so he could win sometimes too.
Renee
Not sure he will continue with chess as he gets older but it really seems to "fit" the way his brain works. He can see things I can't that's for sure!
Jane
Evelyn (and Renee),
Have you considered the computer-based chess games? You can get "Battle Chess" where the characters fight and explode each other (the Queen is cool). I think there is even a computer version of "Wizard's Chess" from HP, which may interesting to a Certain Someone I know...
-Paula
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
Renee,
Nathan is like Mike. I don't think he'd be able to play chess either. He has a hard time with learning checkers right now. I agree about the confusion thing...and so many things to remember. Nathan does ok with the board games. But he just doesn't quite understand some games, and if he doesn't "get it"...he won't play!! lol
michelle
Yes, Malcolm apparently plays pretty well, but as this is something he has learned and does at school(s) and day camp and after school program at nearby community center, I have never seen him play. I know he enjoys chess. Sometimes he plays the computer or one of those online chess sites, but he won't play me. Sometimes he reads books about chess. He plays every week, but I don't hear about the games unless I ask. I feel like sneaking to watch him at chess club and hiding behind a pillar or something.
Sara
ilovemalcolm
I just realized you are pregnant! Congrats! When is the baby due? Are you going to find out the sex? You must be feeling tired. Well, good luck and I hope you are not feeling too sick.
Slainte,
Teresa
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