Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of developmental disabilities that hinders a person’s behavior, communication style, and perception. Consequently, kids with autism might face huge difficulties in the beginning when faced with everyday tasks. Alternatively, what parents should focus on is trying to engage their children in different fun activities. These will help kids with autism to enhance their attention span, and how they express themselves and alleviate anxiety. Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you our list of Best activities and Games for kids with autism
Best 5 Activities for Kids With Autism :
1- Crafting a Sensory Collage
Autistic kids are not less intelligent or mentally incapable compared to others their age. However, due to the developmental conditions they are going through, they might find certain senses and patterns a bit dazzling. This is where you come in, and help your child or student to get a grip of these textures and sensations by combining different materials and creating a collage. Use varied utensils like glitter, shapes, colors, pictures, etc. This way, the kid will be familiar with a myriad of textures. (1)
2- Ice Painting
Here is a nice combo that will surely sweep the preschooler off their feet. An aesthetically pleasing scientific experiment that consists of Ice and paint. Mix multiple vivid colors into an ice tray then add wooden craft sticks to each section. Once you finish, but the compartment in the freezer and let it frost. After it is all set and done, remove the paint then allow your kid or student to get creative and design whatever comes into their head. Let them swirl the compartment over a piece of paper. This activity is best done during the hot summer days.
3- The Smelling Game
It is never a fun activity if it will only play in one particular sense. That’s why varying activities based on multiple senses will be more engaging to the child. For this one, you’ll need different small containers filled with varied ingredients (smells like lavender, coffee, soap, etc.). Close the jar with some kind of thin fabric (make sure that it is not a lid made of metal or any hard material), and close it carefully with an elastic loop. Next, tell the kid to smell the jar and identify what fragrance it belongs to. It will allow them to experiment until they get it right.
4- Puzzles
This one demands your patience as you’ll be testing your child/student’s learning abilities and their analytical side. Collect similar shapes but with different sizes and bring a matching empty container. For example, you may have several circles but different in size, get a container that has the same shape with a different size for each circle. Then, you just watch and keep quiet while you let the child try to figure out which one belongs to the correct place. It is crucial that you do not interfere and rather give the kid a chance to solve it. They will feel immense joy afterward. (2)
5- Taste Test
Alright, this is by far my ultimate favorite as it contains.. that’s right FOOD! Who doesn’t love food let alone in a game. So to get you started, try to choose the kind of edibles that your kid is not that familiar with. Remember, food should be varied and maybe include a treat that your child loves to get their attention. Blindfold their eyes with a piece of cloth and give them a particular meal to taste it and guess what it is. I should also mention that this activity shouldn’t be too easy or too hard, the middle ground is always the safest.
Best 5 Games For Kids with Autism :
1- Otsimo | Special Education
(Android, iPhone)
Our Top list Par Excellence. Indeed, Otsimo offers nothing but sublime pleasure which motivates kids with autism to learn the basics of education. Moreover, the app is child-friendly as it includes interactive games such as matching objects, identifying letters, and discovering different shapes. Otsimo’s major goal is to develop the fundamental skills of kids with autism such as mastering Alphabet and numbers, constructing sentences, recognizing colors and numbers, and most importantly developing their emotional intelligence.
What makes this awesome autism read and write app awesome is that it provides speech therapy for kids with autism and enhances mental development for both autistic kids as well as their parents/Caregivers. Otismo is not only designed for kids with autism only but it includes instructional games aimed at kids with down syndrome.
2- AutiSpark: Autistic Games
Leveraging the establishments of the TEACCH technique, Autispark Extreme introvertedness makes a difference children with extreme introvertedness learn through the control of fun recreations. Accessible in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, this app highlights the communication qualities and conceivable shortcomings of those living on the range. The extreme objective of this offer assistance is to assist people of any level and create certainty as they construct basic skills.
3- Autism PDD Comparatives/Superlatives Lite
This educational app is the best-selling buddy bear software and it is no wonder we selected it in our top 5 online games. In fact, the app contains calming narrations and appealing animations which help ASD kids boost their responsiveness. Mainly, this game stimulates autistic kids to compare and contrast items. Thus, they learn descriptive vocabulary and morphological word endings (“-er” and “-est”). Moreover, Autism PDD Comparatives/Superlatives Lite assist kids with ASD to understand and master the W-questions (what, where, when, who). Besides, our app has engaging quizzes in which kids choose the correct answer with an easy one-tap response. Indeed, correct responses are reinforced with captivating animation, sensational sound effects, and a friendly “Good Job“.
4-MITA (Mental Imagery Therapy for Autism)
We highly recommend this app. Actually, it has succeeded to confirm its distinction from other apps thanks to its enhanced language skills in autistic kids. MITA is a suitable app for kids with autism as it adopted a methodological and well-organized approach to the development of kids with autism. Furthermore, MITA has unlimited cognitive exercises with simple vocabulary. Aside from the playtime rewards and offline viewing, the app involves adaptive activities without featuring annoying ads.
5- Daniel Tiger for Parents
This entertaining app is designed to help parents and caregivers of kids with ASD. Thanks to the app’s songs, video clips, pictures, and conversation starters, you can smoothly navigate the ups and downs of everyday life. Therefore, kids with autism can acquire additional life skills such as: sharing and working with emotions. In addition, The app increases parents’ confidence to support their kids to learn social and emotional skills.
iOS rating: 4.1
Android rating: 4.5
Bonus Tips For Parents :
That’s all for our Best activities and Games for kids with autism list. But hold on we have more and more tips for you. Let’s get a deeper dive into it.
Well, no parent is ever prepared to learn that their child might or is diagnosed with Autism. It is okay to be frightened or worried about what steps to take to ensure the proper and convenient care and support for your kid with ASD.
Although Autism is not a developmental disorder that a child or even adult can grow out of, however, with the right kind of treatment and support, you’ll be able as a parent to help your kid acquire new sets of skills and break free of developmental barriers. Here are some tips that will be fruitful for all parents with ASD kids :
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Consistency:
While going to your child’s therapist frequently will help, the secret lies in consistency and Making sure to apply everything the therapist has done in the office. For instance, if your child uses sign language to communicate at school or office, make sure to use that practice at home too. This way you will reinforce their learning ability. Additionally, be open to finding alternative places where your kid can apply their skills and enhance them.
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Reward System:
One of the most effective ways to praise your child and win their heart and trust. Always make sure to provide them with positive reinforcement. Catch your kid doing something good and succeed in a task, and KABOOM reward them by letting them play outside for example.
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Building A Connection
Creating that special bond is not only verbal; it can be through a touch, a look, or your tone. Allow your kid to communicate their thoughts even without saying a word. This will enhance their comfort level around you. You just have to observe and have patience. The longer kids with autism go without help the harder they are to reach.
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Creating An Action plan:
Treatment can be done in so many to the point where you lose track of what works or what doesn’t. Hence, a personalized plan that meets your child’s needs is the ultimate success. Kids with autism are unique, so forget about doctors or your friends’ suggestions. Your personalized action plan should be tailored according to your child’s personality. Asking these questions will help you progress :
- What are my child’s strengths?
- What are my child’s weaknesses?
- What behaviors cause the most problems?
- What does my child enjoy doing?
To conclude, There is a myriad of therapeutic and fun activities that, not only helps improve your child’s learning abilities, but you get to spend some fun time and create adorable memories together. In fact, no matter the treatment plan you choose, it is all futile if you are not involved. Your role and presence are vital in the success of a child’s treatment. So dig deep in your child’s interest, actively engage with them, reinforce positive behavior, and build consistency and trust. All these tips will make life with your kids with autism more enjoyable. Don’t overlook them.
We reached the end now. We hope you enjoyed the ride in our Best activities and Games for kids with autism list. We are looking for your feedback. It will be much appreciated. You are welcome also to share your thought on your own best activities and games for kids with autism. You may suggest better options! Give it a try!
References :
(1) Havard Graduate School of Education. 2021. Laura Edwards. [online] Available at: <https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/13/04/imitation-and-children-autism-laura-edwards> [Accessed 12 October 2021].
(2) Beverly, N., 2021. 10 Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles For People with Special Needs. [online] Autism Parenting Magazine. Available at: <https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/benefits-of-jigsaw-puzzles/> [Accessed 14 October 2021].
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A Content Writer & Freelance Translator. He enjoys writing about mental health, fun for seniors, educational apps, and entertainment for all. In his spare time, he enjoys watching football, playing video Games, and good laugh with his friends.
