20 Fun and Easy Activities for Kids with Autism

This World Autism Month, we look at some easy Activities for Kids with Autism, that help develop their sensory and motor skills in a gentle manner.

“Autism doesn’t come with an instruction guide. It comes with a family who will never give up.” – Kerry Magro

Autism is a term that has been widely misunderstood, especially over the past many years. Despite significant medical advances in this field, there has also been rampant misinformation, leading to kids and parents not getting the support they need. Since April is World Autism Month, we’ve decided to do our bit by providing some information as well as lots of ideas for activities for kids with autism.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodivergent condition that affects how individuals communicate, learn and behave. Basically, it means that an autistic person’s brain is ‘wired’ differently, due to which they may respond in ways that are not typical. The technical term is Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD – it is called a spectrum because the symptoms vary widely from person to person.

The exact cause of autism is still not known, but most experts agree that genetics play a role, as do other environmental factors. Please remember that vaccinations have nothing to do with autism – the only reason that autism cases have seemed to increase in recent years is because of more awareness, due to which symptoms get diagnosed better.

Having a child with autism can be a challenge for parents and teachers too, especially when it comes to learning and communication.

Common Challenges in Kids with Autism

• Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli
• Difficulty focusing on specific tasks like reading
• Getting stuck in repetitive patterns and resisting any interruptions
• Having interests of a restricted nature
• Trouble taking turns
• Resistance to changes in their routine
• Trouble with words and expressing their feelings
• Difficulty reading verbal and nonverbal cues in communication
• Problems with remembering names or maintaining social conversations

These challenges can make regular learning or play difficult for autistic children, and this is why it is important to select special activities that are designed for them. Play is important for all children, but it is particularly beneficial for kids with autism.

Why is play important for kids with autism?

• It creates more neural pathways in the brain, improving how they process sensory input
• Increases concentration and attention span
• Improves the ability to self-regulate and handle emotions better
• Enhances hand-eye coordination as well as fine and gross motor skills
• Improves language skills through role play and games
• Improves social skills by taking turns, forming teams and sharing
• Improves self-confidence and helps making friends easier
• Reduces destructive or aggressive behaviors

1. Fidget Toys

Fidget toys had their moment as a trendy fad, but they’re actually much more than that, especially for kids with autism. This simple gadget can help autistic kids regulate their emotions and also improve focus and concentration.When choosing a fidget toy, avoid the ones with bright, flashing lights.

2. Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are usually plastic tubs or bins filled with items of multiple textures, colors, shapes and colors. There is usually one ingredient that acts as a filler, with other, larger items added in it. While sensory bins are great for all kids, autistic children will reap more benefits from the feeling of touching different kinds of materials.

3. Scented Playdough

While playdough in itself is a wonderful tactile experience, adding scents to it makes it more stimulating for autistic children. Simple flavors like vanilla, cinnamon or lemon can take ordinary playdough to the next level. This is also a great exercise for the muscles of the hands and fingers.

4. Scientific Slime Experiments

Like playdough, slime is also a great sensory activity for children. Some children may take more to slime than playdough, while others may prefer the latter – observe your child to see what they like. You can easily make slime at home, using recipes online.

5. Sorting Activities

Sorting is one of those activities for kids with autism that can be adjusted for every age. Toddlers and preschoolers can sort blocks or toys according to color or shape. Older school-going kids can sort words or money, or items based on the starting letter. You can make it as simple or complex as you like, based on your child’s current ability.

6. Building Blocks

A study published in the Disability and Health Journal found that playing with Legos helped autistic children improve communication skills and social skills. You can help your child get these benefits too, and you needn’t have Legos – any kind of building blocks will do.

7. Yoga Ball Activities

Yoga balls, also called balance balls, are large balls used for gentle exercises and are excellent tools for autistic children to improve balance and strength. You can place the child on the ball and get them to bounce, or let them lay on the ball as you roll it to and fro. As they try to stay balanced on the ball, their body co-ordination improves.

8. Yoga

Yoga has been proven to help children in multiple ways, including calming the nervous system, improving body awareness and positivity, enhancing flexibility and overall strengthening. For autistic kids, yoga has the added benefit of helping them follow instructions, especially if you follow the ‘mirroring’ technique, where you exhibit a yoga pose and ask the child to copy it.

9. Dance

Yoga and dance are both activities for kids with autism that build coordination skills. Some children may prefer dance as it has a certain rhythm and also allows for more free movement. Dance has many benefits for children, and also boosts mood by releasing endorphins and dopamine, which reduces the incidence of negative behaviors.

10. Nature Walks

Taking your child on nature walks from a young age is a great idea as they are exposed to a variety of sensory stimuli, yet in a natural environment. The rustling of leaves, crunching of gravel, ripple of puddles, smell of flowers, and the sounds of birds are just a few of the sensory experiences they can enjoy. These can be both comforting and exciting, and you can always change your routes for a different experience each time.

11. Coloring

The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children published an article that found that simple coloring pages could be a great calming activity for children who are dealing with any kind of emotional stress. For autistic children, it also helps improve focus and concentration, while strengthening fine motor muscles.

12. Finger and Footprint Painting

Yes, coloring on paper is calming and fun, but using your body to create art is so much more interesting! Finger painting and foot painting are activities for kids with autism that may be on the messier side, but the payoff is worth it. It also helps kids let go of any inhibitions and encourages them to think outside the box when it comes to art.

13. Smelling Game

This is a fun activity that kids of all ages will enjoy, and you can even turn it into a game with siblings or cousins. Gather a few small containers and fill each one with a different ingredient. Make sure you use items with strong fragrances, like coffee, soap or lavender. Let your child close their eyes and try to guess the ingredients by smell alone. It’s an excellent exercise to improve awareness of their environment.

14. Emotion Cards

One major challenge faced by autistic children is the difficulty in identifying emotions in others, as well as expressing their own. Using printable cards like these can help kids learn different emotions and what they represent. Explain what each emotion is, and what it feels like and looks like.

15. Calm-Down Cards

If your child has trouble with self-soothing or emotional regulation, calm-down cards like these can help. These cards have visual cues for what kids can do when they’re emotionally stressed and don’t know what to do next. These kids are more suitable for older kids, but you can start getting children used to them while they’re young.

16. Calm Down Bottles

While calm-down cards work better for older children, younger kids with autism will find the calm-down bottle more useful. This is a simple plastic bottle or jar filled with a glittery substance that flows. The ‘galaxy’ appearance of the bottle and the flowing movements are believed to induce feelings of calm and help prevent meltdowns in kids with autism.

17. Empathy Role Play

One reason autistic children have trouble with communication is because of their difficulty in comprehending visual cues related to emotions. Role play is one of the most effective activities for kids with autism, especially if they’re old enough to understand the concept of empathy. It helps to have a teddy or doll too, and you can ask them how they would feel in a certain situation, and what they would tell the doll if they were the one in that circumstance.

18. Board Games

If you’re looking for activities for kids with autism that will improve their social skills, you should try board games. Board games encourage kids to follow rules, take turns, be a part of a team as well as utilize strategy and problem-solving skills before making a move.

19. Books About Characters with Autism

Reading may feel like an unlikely choice for activities for kids with autism, especially since many kids have difficulty focusing. However, picture books are good resources, especially if they’re about characters with autism. It helps the child relate to the character, understand empathy and also know that they’re not alone.

20. Introduction to Famous Autistic Figures

Sometimes, autistic children may feel like they’re out of the mainstream of society and may suffer from low self-confidence. This is why introducing them to successful people with autism is important. You can do this through books, movies or documentaries. Here are a few examples of famous people with autism: Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Elon Musk and Greta Thunberg.

Things to remember when choosing activities for kids with autism:

1. Ensure a safe physical space, free from clutter, bright lights and loud noises
2. Choose activities based on the child’s interests and strengths
3. Avoid activities that may be disturbing or over-stimulating
4. Use visual aids when explaining instructions or for step-by-step activities
5. Keep instructions short and simple
6. Be consistent, and engage kids regularly
7. Keep activities for kids with autism short and for limited periods
8. Stay with your child, but follow their lead
9. Go slow and don’t rush
10. Encourage the child along every step of the way and praise often

As mentioned in the beginning of this article, autistic children have many challenges when it comes to play, but consistently including these activities for kids with autism into their daily routine can bring about significant improvements. These benefits extend into their social lives as well as academics and overall wellbeing. Please remember that every child is different, and your child will find their own way, as long as you provide the love and support they need.