What is your position on autism? Do kids with autism need to be cured?
These words from Lydia Brown are a great summary of our point of view regarding autism: “Autism is not a disease. It is a neurological, developmental condition; it is considered a disorder, and it is disabling in many and varied ways. It is lifelong. It does not harm or kill of its own accord. It is an edifying and meaningful component of a person’s identity, and it defines the ways in which an individual experiences and understands the world around him or her. It is all-pervasive.”
We believe that autism is a meaningful part of a person’s identity, and perception of the world. Sometimes that person may need support to help them interact with a world that doesn’t always understand their perspective.
“This game is created with a purpose, to help Autistic people like us learn how to live in a world full of NTs while playing a game so fun they can’t tell they are learning. As the best therapist I had once put it to me, ‘The world won’t adapt to accommodate you, you have to adapt yourself to the world.’ This game is the Medium by which we are helping these kids adapt to the world.” - Jim Deeley, Autistic Advocates Team, Critical Core
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
Are any adult autistics involved in the project?
Yes. Critical Core has, and continues to engage with adult and youth autists who contribute their time and energy to helping ensure the project promotes the neurodiversity paradigm and respectful support for all individuals.
As well as keeping our neurodiversity communication and representation on point, our advocates are also involved to varying degrees, in design, illustration, writing, social media, community outreach and education.
As with most of the Critical Core team our advocates volunteer their time and we are very appreciative of their valuable input!
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
Do you align with a particular organization or philosophy regarding autism?
We believe in the social model of disability - the viewpoint that culture and the environment are often disabling factors in a person’s experience.
We hope that Critical Core will further a worldwide neurodiversity discussion, and challenge the perceived need to teach and train the common ‘normalization’ agenda of therapy services.
Our language usage follows guidelines found on the Autistic Self Advocacy Network website. We tend to alternate between identity first language and talking about individuals being ‘on the spectrum’.
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
Is Critical Core only helpful for autism related social skills?
No. We believe that social competence is a lifelong journey of skills. All people benefit from reflecting and improving their social interaction skills throughout their lives. More specifically, the developmental areas and social competency benefits of Critical Core are applicable to all individuals who would benefit from building stronger social interactivity competencies.
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
Will Critical Core be translated into other languages?
Multi-language support is an important goal for Critical Core. After the english version has been produced and shipped we will review the requests and potential support for translation into additional languages. Effective translation is a non-trivial task and we want to make sure this is done correctly.
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
Will Critical Core be available after the Kickstarter ends?
Yes. The Critical Core Starter Set will be available online, most likely through Amazon. We are also looking forward to working with distributors to make Critical Core available through physical stores. Pre-orders will be available after the end of the Kickstarter campaign, however delivery may be several months AFTER Kickstarter backers receive their kits.
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
How can I add additional Starter Sets to my pledge?
After the campaign ends you will be able to add additional Critical Core Starter Sets to your pledge via Kickstarter’s survey forms.
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
Can I donate my set to a good cause?
Yes, if you have pledged at ANY level above DIGITAL, you will be able to specify that your set be donated on your behalf, this includes the ‘One for you, one to a good cause’ pledge levels. Surveys will be sent out after the Kickstarter campaign ends.
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
I’m an adult, will Critical Core work for me?
At the heart of Critical Core is a simplified roleplaying game designed to be fun and engaging. Since we all benefit from continuing to build social confidence, competence, and skills throughout our lives, adults can still play Critical Core and make the most of the opportunity to build skills for social interacting just like kids do. Critical Core is also a great way to introduce tabletop role-playing games to friends and family, and the 90 minute modules are perfect for office lunchtime adventures!
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
Can I use Critical Core for children under the recommended age range?
The recommended age is exactly that, a recommendation. If you know the child and believe that they can jump in and start playing RPGs, then by all means use Critical Core. Warning: the kit contains pieces that may be a choking hazard, remove them from the kit or keep them away from younger players who may be at risk for putting things in their mouth.
Last updated: April 08, 2019 22:37
Will Critical Core be translated in other languages?
We would be very happy to have Critical Core available in multiple languages. After completing the English version of Critical Core we will review all of the translation requests and review the costs. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you would like translation in your language so we can better understand the demand.
Last updated: April 18, 2019 22:48
What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.