The International Chess Federation (FIDE), together with the Asian Chess Federation and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, with the support of the International Olympic Committee, FIDE Planning and Development Commission, and FIDE Social Commission, hold the first offline Asian Educational Seminar Chess for children with ASD. Learn & Teach. The event took place at the Al Ain Convention Center, UAE, from December 18 to 19.

Twenty-one chess teachers and coaches from 14 countries (Bangladesh, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, UAE, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Philippines, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and others) explored the ways of teaching chess to children with autism spectrum disorder, studied a unique training program developed in 2021 and got practical advice on how to work with kids with ASD.

The following prominent figures participated in the seminar:

Speakers atthe seminar:

All participants were honoured to visit the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination in Al Ain and exchange teaching experiences with local experts. We thank Abdulla Ismail Alkamali for the hospitality and inspiring tour he provided personally for all the participants and the project team.

On December 19, FIDE, the Asian Chess Federation and Zayed Higher organization signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding, a significant step forward to the further cooperation and expansion of partnership within the Infinite Chess project.

"Infinite Chess is our project where we use the game to improve socio-emotional wellbeing of children with autistic spectrum disorder. With this agreement we aim to provide new opportunities, empower and change lives of children with special abilities here in the region," saidDana Reizniece-Ozola, Project Supervisor and Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board.

Presentations (pdf):

Chess for Children with Autism and Spectrum Disorder by Natalia Popova - Part 1

Chess for Children with Autism and Spectrum Disorder by Natalia Popova - Part 2

Classroom Organization by Natalia Popova

FIDE Infinite Chess Project by Ala Mischanka - Day 1

FIDE Infinite Chess Project by Ala Mischanka - Day 2

Infinite Chess - Turkey by Melodi Dincel

Infinite Chess - Latvia Experience by Viesturs Kapce

The rest is here:

UAE hosts Asian Educational Seminar Chess for children with ASD. Learn & Teach - FIDE