Chess and learning differences
Chess has many benefits for individuals on the learning disability spectrum. From spatial recognition to greater self-esteem to socialisation to planning ahead and much more.
I have played and coached many young people who have learning disabilities or behavioural challenges. My coaching with learning disabled clients is effective because I bring sensitivity, experience, intuition and empathy to the individual who has cognitive issues. Having gotten experince from working in mental health arenas for many years, combined with an intuitive and empathic ability, I can serve the person via chess and via my natural ability to feel what they need to grow, as a chess player and a person.
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In fact, I have found that chess can be secondary to the therapeutic or energetic conection between coach and student in which the space is made available for the student to express themselves and grow in any and all ways, via the game of chess.
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As Jonathan Rowson has said in his book, The Moves That Matter, chapter called "The Joy Of Teaching" on P123, "At its heart, teaching is not so much about conveying knowledge as modelling a state of being..."