Activity ideas

Activity Ideas: Finding What Works for Your Autistic Child

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Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning that every autistic child is unique. What works well for one child may not be as effective for another. The key is to explore different activities, observe how your child responds, and adapt them to their interests, needs, and sensory preferences. Below are some practical and engaging activities that you can try at home, all designed to support communication, sensory regulation, social interaction, and independence.

• Sensory Play:

• Water play – Fill a bowl, sink, or bathtub with water and add cups, sponges, and floating toys.

• Messy play – Use materials like sand, rice, shaving foam, or playdough for hands-on sensory experiences.

• Calm bottles – Fill a bottle with water, glitter, and food coloring to create a soothing visual tool.

• Some children prefer dry textures, while others enjoy wet or squishy materials, so experiment to see what your child enjoys.

• Communication and Interaction Activities:

• Turn-taking games – Simple games like rolling a ball back and forth help build social skills.

• Choice-making – Offer two options for a snack, toy, or activity, and encourage your child to indicate their preference using words, gestures, or a communication device.

• Visual schedules – Use pictures or symbols to help your child understand routines and transitions.

• If your child uses PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) or a communication device, incorporate it into everyday play.

• Movement and Physical Activities:

• Obstacle course – Set up pillows, tunnels, or stepping stones in your home or garden.

• Trampoline or bouncing activities – Many autistic children find rhythmic bouncing soothing.

• Animal walks – Encourage movement by crawling like a bear, hopping like a bunny, or stretching like a cat.

• Some children may seek out movement (sensory seekers), while others may avoid certain movements, so go at your child’s pace.

• Creative and Fine Motor Activities:

• Painting with sponges or fingers – Some children prefer mess-free options like painting with water on pavement or using paint sticks.

• Threading beads or pasta – A great way to improve hand-eye coordination.

• Lego or building blocks – Encourages problem-solving and creativity.

• If your child dislikes sticky or wet textures, try dry materials like stickers, chalk, or magnetic drawing boards.

• Everyday Life Skills:

• Helping in the kitchen – Let your child stir, pour, or scoop ingredients.

• Dressing up practice – Turn getting dressed into a game with fun choices.

• Sorting and matching – Involve your child in sorting laundry, putting away groceries, or matching socks.

• Use step-by-step visuals or timers to help with sequencing activities.

• Relaxation and Calm-Down Strategies:

• Weighted blankets or deep pressure – Some children find comfort in firm hugs or weighted lap pads.

• Breathing exercises – Try blowing bubbles or using a pinwheel to encourage deep breaths.

• Quiet corners – Create a small space with cushions, books, and fidget toys as a retreat.

• Observe what helps your child feel calm and provide those strategies before they become overwhelmed.

No single approach will work for every autistic child, so be flexible and follow your child’s interests and sensory preferences. The most important thing is to create an environment where your child feels safe, engaged, and supported.