Sri Lanka’s 2025 national budget includes important allocations to improve early diagnosis, access to therapy, and long-term support for children with autism. While these investments strengthen the country’s neurodevelopmental support framework, there remains a need for sustainable, low-cost, community-based interventions that can complement clinical therapies. One such proven intervention, recognised by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), UNICEF, and multiple global studies, is chess.
This proposal explores how Sri Lanka can leverage chess as a structured tool for cognitive and social development for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), integrating it into existing government-funded programs to create long-term, scalable impact.
Why Chess Works for Children With Autism
Research from FIDE’s Social Commission, Autism Speaks, and peer-reviewed psychology journals highlights that chess helps autistic children in several key developmental domains:
- Cognitive and Executive Functioning
Chess strengthens working memory, planning, sequencing, and problem-solving areas, where many autistic children need structured developmental support. - Attention and Focus
The turn-based structure of chess promotes sustained attention and reduces impulsive responses, improving focus over time. - Emotional Regulation
Children learn patience, coping with setbacks, and emotional control during game-play, helping them handle sensory or social stress. - Social Interaction Without Pressure
Chess offers a predictable, rule-based environment that reduces the complexity of social situations, enabling autistic children to interact more comfortably. - Communication Skills
Basic chess notation, move explanation, and structured practice sessions encourage verbal and non-verbal communication.
FIDE has cited chess as a “universal therapeutic tool,” and several countries (India, Armenia, Poland, Kazakhstan) have implemented chess-inclusive education or therapy programs with documented success.
Opportunity for Sri Lanka
With the government allocating funding in the 2025 budget toward autism identification, therapy services, and child development programs, Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to introduce Chess for Autism as a national support initiative.
This model can be implemented through:
1. School-Based Support Programs
Government schools (including special education units) can run weekly chess therapy sessions facilitated by trained instructors and shadow teachers.
2. Hospital and Therapy Centre Integration
Child development centres, neurodevelopment units, and occupational therapy departments can use chess as a structured therapeutic tool.
3. Community-Based Chess Development Programs
District chess associations, under the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL) guidance, can partner with local governments to deliver inclusive chess clubs for children with ASD.
4. Parent-Led Home Training Modules
Simple chess-based cognitive exercises can be introduced to families for home reinforcement.
Budget Alignment and Implementation Strategy
Using the existing autism budget allocations, the following activities can be cost-effectively introduced nationwide:
- Training 300+ “Chess for Autism” Certified Instructors
A short certification program was developed jointly by CFSL, clinical psychologists, and therapists. - Providing Chess Sets to Special-Education Units and Therapy Centres
Low-cost, high-impact distribution across 300+ government schools and hospitals. - Creating a National Curriculum Framework
A standardised module aligned with therapeutic goals such as cognitive development, emotional regulation, and communication improvement. - Launching Pilot Projects in Five Provinces
Continuous monitoring and evaluation with measurable outcomes. - Annual Inclusive Chess Festivals
Safe, friendly events that encourage socialisation and celebrate neurodiversity.
Expected Impact
By integrating chess into Sri Lanka’s autism-support ecosystem, the country can:
- Strengthen early intervention frameworks
- Improve the cognitive and emotional outcomes of neurodiverse children
- Reduce therapy-related inequalities across regions
- Empower schools and families with an accessible, low-cost developmental tool
- Build a more inclusive sporting and cognitive culture
Most importantly, it allows autistic children to discover joy, confidence, and identity through a game that values pattern-recognition, deep thinking, and creativity, qualities many autistic individuals naturally possess.
References
- FIDE Social Commission – “Chess for Mental Health” initiatives
- Autism Speaks – Research on structured cognitive games
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders – Studies on board games and executive function
- UNICEF – Education and inclusivity programs using chess
- Global case studies in Armenia, India, and Poland (educational chess integration)
