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Calm Puzzle Ladder Step 1: Starter

Step 1 is for the very first puzzles: a child who has not done a maze before, who needs a lot of support, or who simply needs to see that puzzles can be quick and calm. Each page can be finished in moments, ideally side by side with an adult.

By the Buy Activity Books team · Updated · 3 min read

The short answer

Step 1 suits a child's very first puzzles. Mazes start at 2 by 2 with paths wide enough to trace with a finger, and word searches hide three short words that only run across, like reading. Do them together, trace before drawing, and stop while it is still enjoyable.

Key takeaways

  • Every page can be finished in a few moments.
  • Trace with a finger first, then a chunky crayon.
  • Word searches run across only, left to right.
  • Shared time first; independence comes later.

Our pack for first puzzles for autistic children

A sample page from Calm Puzzles Step 1: Starter
16 very first puzzlesVery first puzzles, any age

Calm Puzzles Step 1: Starter

The very first rung: sixteen puzzles that can each be finished in moments. Mazes from 2 by 2 with paths wide enough for a finger, and 5 by 5 word searches with three short words that only run across. Made for shared puzzle time with an adult alongside.

  • 8 tiny mazes (2 by 2 to 4 by 4) and 8 three-word word searches
  • Paths wide enough to trace with a finger
  • Words run across only: left to right, like reading
  • Same layout, Puzzle 3 of 16 and an I finished! box on every page
See inside →

At a glance

Step 1: Starter
Best forLadder step 1
Puzzles16
GridMazes 2 to 4, 5 by 5 word search
DifficultyThree words, across only
Pages (A4)22
Answer keyYes
Paper sizesA4 and US Letter
Price$3.99

Signs Step 1 is the right start

  • The child has not done mazes or word searches before.
  • Pages with lots on them cause distress or are ignored.
  • The child is still learning to hold a crayon or pencil.
  • Letters are new or only partly familiar.
  • You want a calm, shared activity more than an independent one.

What is inside

Eight mazes grow from 2 by 2 to 4 by 4. Eight word searches use a 5 by 5 grid with three short words, such as CAT, DOG and FISH, that only run across. Every page follows the same template, with Puzzle 3 of 16 at the top and an I finished! box at the bottom.

A first session, step by step

  1. Sit side by side with one page and a chunky crayon.
  2. Point to START, then to FINISH. Say the words.
  3. Trace the path with your finger, slowly.
  4. Invite the child to trace with theirs. Guide gently only if they want it.
  5. Draw the line together, or let the child draw it.
  6. Tick I finished! together and stop. One page is a great session.

Word searches as matching

At this step a word search is really a matching game. Point to CAT in the list, then run a finger along each row of the grid until you find the same three letters together. Words only run left to right, so the search follows the same direction as reading.

Adapting the pages

  • Laminate pages and use dry-wipe pens so a page can be done again and again.
  • Print on thicker paper if thin paper is unpleasant to touch.
  • Use a sloped board or a clipboard if sitting at a table is hard.
  • Repeat favourite pages: print the same maze as often as the child likes.

Moving on to Step 2

When the child traces and draws through a 4 by 4 maze calmly, and can match a short word in the grid, Step 2 adds slightly larger mazes and word searches with four words that run across and down.

How we make every puzzle

Every puzzle in our packs is generated and then checked by computer before it is allowed into a pack. Anything that fails a check is thrown away and replaced.

  • One route per maze

    Every maze is a perfect maze, so there is exactly one way through.

  • One solution per sudoku

    Each sudoku is solved by computer and kept only if it has one answer.

  • Every word once

    Each word-search word is checked to appear exactly once in its grid.

  • Answers included

    Every pack ends with a full answer key, in A4 and US Letter.

Questions about first puzzles for autistic children

Is a 2 by 2 maze really a maze?+

Yes, a very small one, with a start, a finish and walls to follow. It is designed so the very first try is a success.

My child does not read yet. Can they use the word searches?+

Yes, as letter matching. Or skip them and use the mazes, which need no reading at all.

How fast do I get it?+

Straight away. The download page opens as soon as payment goes through, and a link is emailed to you as well, so there is no shipping and no wait.

Are the answers included?+

Yes. Every pack ends with a full answer key, so a parent, teacher or the solver can check the work.

Related guides

All buying guides

First Puzzles for Autistic Children: Step 1 Starter Pack