How the Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match Program Supports Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

In early February 2025, Luis Otavio, the creative mind behind Hanoi Studios and the game Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, took a meaningful step by visiting Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil. Hanoi Studios had the exciting opportunity to showcase their game, both as a traditional board game and in the digital ID@Xbox Play Anywhere format, all aimed at serving as a developmental tool for children with neurodivergence.

Fernanda Mombelli, a dedicated neuropsychopedagogue running the institution, underscored the vital role of recognizing a child’s unique needs as early as possible. She passionately spoke about how inclusive games can unlock tremendous potential for neurodivergent learners, fostering essential skills right from an early age.

Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is breaking new ground in its category by honing skills like attention, concentration, and planning — areas where neurodivergent children often need extra support.

What makes this game particularly special is its flexible nature; there’s no pressure to make moves in a set number of turns, encouraging players to solve problems at their own speed. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, beautifully summed up this approach: “In early childhood education, it’s not about hitting high scores. We’re here to make learning a joyous journey, because we believe happiness breeds better learning and development, which is our ultimate goal.”

Delving into the real-world impact, we see the effects on a student at CARE dealing with ADHD, anxiety, and socialization struggles. Fernanda observed their journey with the game: “They quickly grasped the basics and made swift progress in the initial levels. But as the challenges grew tougher, their anxiety became evident, along with stuttering. Pausing the game, we guided them to take a breath, focus, and explore options slowly. This patient, step-by-step guidance helped them push past their initial struggles.”

The board game version of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match also brought a surge of enthusiasm when played in a collaborative setting with educators, reflecting not just enjoyment, but breakthroughs in social skills and attention.

And as for what’s next for Luis, he is determined to expand this initiative, eager to see such inclusive games widely embraced across Brazil’s educational landscapes.

If you’re on the lookout for family-friendly gaming tips and tools, Xbox offers a treasure trove of resources at xbox.com/family, including privacy settings, the Xbox Family Settings app, and community guidelines to ensure safe and enjoyable gaming experiences for everyone.

Dive into Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match on Xbox and PC now! With its Xbox Play Anywhere capability, you get to enjoy seamless play across devices, thanks to features like cross-save and Smart Delivery.