Kids who would usually steer clear from large crowds and/or social interaction are being brought right in the middle of it in a fun and engaging way.

By Kendall Rayburn

Pokémon Go is a free location-based app developed by Niantic for both iOS and Android devices. It encourages users to explore their environment by using augmented reality while simultaneously trying to capture as many Pokémon as possible. The main display for the game is a map based on your surroundings that showcases PokéStops which are created by using landmarks in the community. This can be anything from a specific building to an outdoor public art exhibit. Users will be able to locate and correlate the Pokémon to the environment they’ll most likely be found in. For example, if a user is exploring a grassy area it will give them a better chance of capturing a Pokémon that lives in that kind of habitat.

Over time, users can build and grow their gaming abilities by learning how to navigate and prepare for their next exploration. The game rewards users with medals for different accomplishments including distance traveled, Pokémon caught, and more! Parents of children with Autism are loving what doors the game is opening up socially for their children.

Let’s explore a few benefits of using the app:

1. Social Benefits

Stories are popping up all over from parents whose children with special needs are using the game as a way to interact and connect with others. The game encourages interaction by bringing users together at common areas to capture Pokémon. So, users have a shared interest and are more likely to interact with each other while trying to catch the Pokémon. Kids who would usually steer clear from large crowds and/or social interaction are being brought right in the middle of it in a fun and engaging way. They’re building confidence as they explore the world around them, even psychologists and autism experts are raving about the social benefits of using the game.

2. Routine Flexibility

Individuals who would otherwise not be compelled to leave the confines of their preferred environment are given a reason to do so. Parents are loving the change in routine for their children who might have originally preferred to stay inside, but are now are wanting to get out and engage with the environment around them.

3. Bonding Opportunity

Some parents are finding that Pokémon Go has been an incredible bonding opportunity with their children. Since supervision is recommended, it’s a great way to get outside and get moving, all while doing something together that can strengthen that relationship.

And while the craze may seem a bit confusing and even dangerous to some, the benefits are clear. Pokémon Go is helping kids with Autism socialize, strengthen relationships, and explore their surroundings in a fun and engaging way. As a reminder, it’s important to practice and communicate safety concerns with children prior to playing the game. Make sure your child is supervised while exploring (go catch Pokémon with them), and go over safety rules with your child or child’s caregiver before they step out the door to explore.

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Kendall Rayburn is a special needs mother, blogger, and the Managing Editor for the Friendship Circle blog. She has a huge heart for the special needs community and enjoys spending time with her family, drinking coffee, writing, taking photos, and obsessing over her cats and dogs. You can reach out to Kendall at Kendall@FriendshipCircle.org

This article was originally published on the Friendship Circle site.