Building Focus and Social Skills Through Chess in Childhood

Structured games like chess are more than just fun—they’re developmental power tools, especially for growing minds. The photo above, showing two children thoughtfully engaged in a chess match, perfectly illustrates how even a simple board game can become an opportunity for learning.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we often integrate play-based cognitive activities into our sessions, especially for children with autism, ADHD, and learning differences. Games like chess are particularly helpful for:

• Developing executive functioning

• Improving concentration and attention span

• Enhancing memory and problem-solving skills

• Promoting turn-taking and flexible thinking

Why Strategic Games Matter
Chess encourages children to think ahead, plan their actions, and understand cause and effect—skills that are essential for both academic success and emotional regulation. For children who struggle with impulsivity or social interaction, this type of gameplay provides a low-pressure context to build those abilities naturally.

Therapeutic Play at OrbRom
At OrbRom Center, our therapy and intervention sessions often include elements of structured games and cognitive tasks. These are woven into the following services:

• Speech Therapy to support language during gameplay through descriptive language and social interaction

• Occupational Therapy to develop fine motor skills and posture for seated activities

• Special Needs Intensive Intervention for targeted executive functioning practice through structured play

• Developmental Assessments that identify cognitive strengths and support needs

Our therapists adjust each session to match your child’s age, developmental stage, and interests, making learning feel like a game—because sometimes, it actually is.

Final Thoughts
Games like chess are a hidden treasure in childhood development. They support social-emotional learning, cognitive growth, and interpersonal connection. If you’re looking for a center in Phnom Penh that supports children with special needs through thoughtful, evidence-based approaches, OrbRom Center is ready to help your child thrive.