Autistic children need activities that will help them grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. It can be hard to think of the activities for kids that will check off all of those boxes–and it’s true that sometimes what an autistic child needs is quiet time alone. But being able to expand their set of skills and experiences will benefit them greatly in their lives, as well as making them happy in the moment.
Here are 17 activities for autistic children:
Outdoor Activities for Autistic Kids
Outdoor activities can provide a valuable experience for autistic children, as they allow them to engage with the environment, improve physical skills, and develop social skills. They will be able to explore new parts of their world, and the benefits of sensory activities for autistic children can’t be overstated. These are also great group activities for autistic kids, as well as social skills activities.
Nature Walks
Nature walks allow children to explore the world around them and connect with nature. These walks can also help children develop sensory awareness and improve physical skills.
Gardening
Gardening can be a calming and therapeutic activity for autistic children. Planting, watering, and harvesting can help improve motor skills and increase sensory stimulation.
Biking
Biking can be a fun and challenging activity for autistic children. Biking can help improve physical skills, gross motor skills, and coordination, and it is also a great way to get fresh air and exercise.
Swimming
Swimming can provide a sensory-rich experience for autistic children. The buoyancy of the water can help reduce stress, and swimming can also improve physical skills and coordination.
Sports
Participating in sports can help autistic children develop social skills and improve physical skills and communication skills. Whether it’s playing soccer, basketball, or another sport, there is an outdoor activity that can meet the needs of every child.
Camping
Camping can provide a unique experience for autistic children, as they can explore the great outdoors and connect with nature. Camping can also help children develop independence, social skills, and physical skills.
Sensory Activities for Autistic Kids
Sensory play activities can provide a valuable experience for autistic children, as they can help improve sensory awareness and provide a calming and therapeutic experience.
Playdough
Playdough is a great sensory activity for autistic children, as it provides an opportunity to explore different textures and shapes. Playdough can also improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Sand Play
Sand play can provide a calming and therapeutic experience for autistic children. Playing in the sand can help improve sensory awareness and fine motor skills.
Water Play
Water play can provide a sensory-rich experience for autistic children. Whether it’s playing with water in the bathtub, pool, or ocean, water play can help improve sensory awareness and provide a calming experience.
Sensory Bins
Sensory bins can provide a rich sensory experience for autistic children. Sensory bins can be filled with a variety of materials, such as rice, beans, or sand, to provide different textures and experiences.
Music and Movement
Music and movement can be a great sensory activity for autistic children. Whether it’s dancing, playing instruments, or singing, music and movement can help improve sensory awareness and provide a calming and therapeutic experience.
Art Activities for Autistic Kids
Arts and crafts projects can provide a valuable experience for autistic children, as they allow children to express themselves creatively and improve fine motor skills. Sensory art activities allow children to become more comfortable with different textures, smells, and movements.
Painting
Painting opens up a new world to autistic kids, letting them play with colors and textures. Painting can also help children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Drawing
Drawing can be a great art activity for autistic children, as it allows children to express themselves creatively. Drawing lets them become accustomed to different textures: from plain paper to construction paper to glossy paper, and from pencils to crayons to charcoal.
Sculpting
Sculpting helps a child with a different part of their brain, creating things in three dimensions. Sculpting also uses different muscles as they use clay, cardboard, or wire to mold and build new creations.
Collage
Collaging is a great way to get a child to repurpose materials, which is a key part of learning problem solving. As they take scraps from magazines, paper, even garbage, and create a new picture, they will develop new creative skills.
Stamping
Stamping can be done with stamps bought from a store, or from sponges cut into shapes. The sensory nature of the wood or sponge stamp, mixed with the paint or ink, and combined with the paper, all make for a new and exciting experience.
Origami
Origami takes things up a level more focus on fine motor skills and problem solving. Following the example of another person, or following instructions in a book, they will be able to create something they are proud of.
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