How Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match Supports Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

Luis Otavio, co-founder of Hanoi Studios, showcased a revolutionary gaming initiative at the inclusive support institution Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo André, Brazil, on February 8, 2025. With the dual formats of their brainchild, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match—available both as a board game and an ID@Xbox Play Anywhere digital version—the studio aims to assist neurodivergent children in honing essential cognitive skills.

At the center, Fernanda Mombelli, a neuropsychopedagogue and owner of CARE, shed light on the significance of proactive approaches in addressing children’s unique learning needs. She championed the vital role that inclusive games play in nurturing the skills of students who think differently.

Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is a fresh entry into the puzzle genre and is tailor-made to bolster attention, concentration, memory, focus, and strategic planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals may need extra support.

The game is designed to be inviting, letting players explore problem-solving without the stress of a move limit. As pedagogue and physical educator Alan Nobre puts it, “When it comes to early childhood education, our goal isn’t perfection, but happiness, harnessing joy as a catalyst for learning and development.”

Let’s delve into how these games open up new worlds for neurodivergent players.

One student at CARE, grappling with ADHD and social anxiety, navigated through the game. Mombelli closely observed this journey, noting the student’s swift grasp of early levels and subsequent hurdles during more complex stages. As anxiety surfaced, evidenced by stuttering, the solution was to pause and encourage a thoughtful, step-by-step approach. This intervention gradually empowered the student to overcome obstacles and press onward.

The board game version, played cooperatively with educators, sparked enthusiasm, with the student expressing a desire for more frequent sessions. This eagerness marked a pivotal moment in their social and cognitive development, enhancing attention, concentration, and their sense of community.

What’s on the horizon for Luis? He plans to expand this gaming innovation to a broader spectrum of educational institutions throughout Brazil, ensuring inclusive gaming’s benefits reach more children.

For more family-friendly gaming resources, check out xbox.com/family and explore their tools, privacy settings, and the Xbox Family Settings app.

You can dive into Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match on Xbox and PC today, thanks to its Xbox Play Anywhere compatibility, which promises seamless play with cross-save and Smart Delivery options.

Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, from the creative minds at Hanoi Studios, is an economical choice at $4.99. It offers a fresh twist on the classic Tower of Hanoi concept. Navigate hexagonal boards, match colors, and strategize to solve puzzles in a calming and enchanting setting.