Critical Core

Critical Core at Ajuga is a small group intervention led by Andrew every Friday, using a tabletop role-playing game designed for kids, tweens, and teens with autism. This engaging approach helps students build essential social and emotional skills such as emotional regulation, problem-solving, and communication. By participating in a supportive environment, students develop resilience and confidence to thrive academically and personally.

Here are the some of the key benefits for students:

1. Improved Social Communication Skills – Students practice turn-taking, active listening, and collaborative storytelling in a safe, structured environment.
2. Enhanced Emotional Regulation – Role-playing scenarios allow students to explore emotions, develop coping strategies, and build self-awareness.
3. Stronger Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking – Players work together to overcome challenges, encouraging creativity, logic, and adaptive thinking.
4. Increased Empathy and Perspective-Taking – By playing different characters, students learn to understand others’ viewpoints and build compassion.
5. Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem – Success within the game world helps students feel capable and valued, which often translates into real-world confidence.
6. Collaboration and Teamwork – Group gameplay fosters cooperation, negotiation, and trust as students work toward shared goals.
7. Safe Social Practice Environment – The structured yet imaginative setting reduces anxiety and provides predictable social frameworks for practicing skills.
8. Intrinsic Motivation for Learning – The fun and immersive nature of role-playing games increases engagement and motivation to participate and grow.

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us