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Special Needs // Autism
The Makoto Arena is the ideal therapy device. It's perceived as a game, but to professionals it's a life-changing tool for their clients. The concept of the game is so simple: listen for the tone, look for the light, hit the target. Simple instructions that they choose to follow. The games are used as a therapeutic tool for building visual, cardiovascular, and neurological performance.
One Arena, incredible Results
In just 30 two-minute sessions a group of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder showed significant improvement in: working memory, fine motor intergration, metacognition indexes, bilateral coordination, organization of materials, strength, manual dexterity and agility.
But how does it work? Because the client’s performance is both quantifiable and trackable, change can be measured with each use and over time. Each game can be adapted in speed and required actions, enabling the Makoto Arena to challenge, without overwhelming- it’s ideally suited to stay in the zone of proximal development. Therapists can create new games to meet each client’s needs – a teamwork game for parent and child can aid communication, as well as motor planning. This adaptability also makes playing Makoto great for all ages of clients, and enables it to aid both long- and short-term goals of therapy. The more children engage with Makoto, the more their scores improve. Creating an environment of capability and success not only improves motivation for therapeutic intervention, but increases a child’s confidence and willingness to work and explore in other areas as well. |
Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR
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