A special gaming program helping kids living with autism is expanding into Chatham-Kent. 
Path of Play Executive Director Mike Primeau, who was born and raised in Chatham-Kent, got the idea after his son was diagnosed with autism two years ago. He says gaming, whether it’s board games, pinball, or video games, provides an opportunity for kids to feel more connected.
Path of Play is now launching an inner-school gaming program at Indian Creek Road Public School in Chatham.
“We’re making about a $1200 investment today,” Primeau says. “We’re putting about 20 board games in there, we’re bringing them a Nintendo Switch console. My understanding is they have about 18 kids with various types of challenges they have to deal with in their lives and this is our way of trying to help them.
Primeau says the games will offer the chance for older kids to partner with special-needs students to play, creating an environment of respect, inclusion, and empathy.
Officials at Indian Creek have already pledged to pay it forward, with a fundraiser set for next spring to help expand the program to other schools in the area.
For more information on Path of Play, visit pathofplay.com or facebook.com/groups/pathofplay.
