The Big Top Game™ is designed for individuals with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD). The three most common disorders in the PDD group are Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, and PDD not otherwise specified (NOS).

The learning objectives of this game are:

• Increasing interpersonal and communication skills
  
• Learning empathy
  
• Improving skills in expressing feelings
  
• Improving self-esteem
  
• Developing more insight into themselves and their condition

The game is also designed to help persons who care for and interact with these individuals by helping them gain understanding, develop empathy, and improve interpersonal relationships with the individuals.

Players who can benefit include individuals with the disorders, parents, siblings, and friends.

This game is a tool to be used by psychologists and counselors in schools, support groups, and other organizations. None of the specific disorders or conditions are mentioned in any part of the game, except in the facilitator's guide.

The theme of the game is that animals have escaped from the circus, and the players have to rescue them and return them to the circus. The game emphasizes cooperation; there is no competition.

The rules are designed to encourage players to respond to each card that is picked; there are four decks of cards. 2008.

IFL

0408