Creating activities for children with autism can help them build social skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Here’s how to get started:
- Design Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Adjust lighting, control noise, and create sensory zones like quiet areas or movement spaces.
- Use Visual Aids: Daily schedules, labeled areas, and visual instructions can help with transitions and understanding tasks.
- Tailor Activities to Interests: Incorporate favorite topics (e.g., dinosaurs, trains) into games, reading, or art projects to boost engagement.
- Provide Clear Instructions: Use simple language, break tasks into steps, and include visual or physical demonstrations.
- Offer Flexible Options: Modify activities for different skill levels and allow movement breaks or quiet moments when needed.
Sample Ideas: Try sensory play like sorting games or physical activities like modified tag. Tools like noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, and communication aids can make participation easier.
Related video from YouTube
Setting Up Autism-Friendly Spaces
Design spaces that help children with autism by managing sensory factors and providing clear visual organization. These adjustments can reduce anxiety and encourage better engagement.
Managing Sensory Input
To prevent sensory overload, it’s important to control environmental triggers. Autism education specialist Lynn McCann explains:
"In a sensory-friendly classroom, the sights, sounds, and scents must be controlled to avoid over- or under-stimulating students – especially those with special needs."
Lighting Adjustments
- Swap out harsh fluorescent lights for adjustable LED options.
- Use colored tints over fluorescent panels to minimize glare.
Sound Control
- Add acoustic panels to walls to absorb excess noise.
- Use carpeting instead of hardwood flooring to dampen sounds.
- Provide noise-canceling headphones for students.
- Consider white noise machines to mask disruptive background sounds.
Sensory Zones
- Set up quiet areas with soft seating and dim lighting.
- Include movement zones with crash pads and bean bag chairs.
- Offer calming corners equipped with tools like weighted blankets.
Adding Clear Visual Guides
Visual aids can make expectations clearer and help children transition between activities. Dr. Matthew Fisher highlights:
"The goal of a sensory-friendly classroom is to create a space where children with autism feel safe and comfortable, while at the same time, allowing them to be attentive – a space that promotes learning."
Visual Tools
- Display daily schedules with simple text and clear pictures.
- Label activity areas with easy-to-recognize symbols.
- Use color coding to differentiate activity types.
- Mark boundaries between spaces with tape or rugs.
Organized Environment
- Label storage bins with pictures for easy identification.
- Keep wall decorations minimal and intentional.
Continuously observe how children respond to the environment and make adjustments as needed. Ensure proper ventilation while minimizing noise from HVAC systems to maintain a supportive atmosphere.
Planning Activities for All Abilities
Design activities that engage and include every child’s unique strengths. Research highlights that tailoring recreational activities can create a more welcoming experience for children with autism. These strategies align well with earlier discussions on sensory-friendly environments.
Using Children’s Favorite Topics
Basing activities on what children enjoy most can significantly boost their engagement. The Incredible Years Autism Programs emphasizes this approach:
"A central tenet of the Incredible Years Autism Programs for teachers and parents is the concept of ‘getting into the child’s spotlight.’ This involves the teacher or parent striving to enter the child’s world view by joining their preferred games and activities, even when these may seem unconventional or repetitive. This approach captures the child’s attention and interest, making social interaction more rewarding and impactful, maximizing the communication and learning opportunity."
Examples of Interest-Based Activities:
- Turn math problems into fun challenges featuring favorite cartoon characters.
- Use topics like trains or dinosaurs for reading exercises.
- Center science projects around specific animals or natural phenomena.
- Include preferred colors or shapes in art projects.
Once activities are tailored to their interests, it’s crucial to provide clear instructions to ensure participation.
Making Instructions Clear
Effective communication is critical for success. Dr. Lori Friesen, a Beginning Teacher Mentor, shares:
"What I learned early on is that most of the problems I had in my classroom when it came to students not listening were much more often due to my inability to communicate clearly than it was about my students not being willing or able to listen."
Tips for Clear Communication:
- Use straightforward language and avoid abstract terms.
- Break down complex tasks into simple, manageable steps.
- Pair verbal instructions with visual aids.
- Demonstrate actions before asking children to perform them.
- Give extra processing time for children to understand and respond.
With clear instructions in place, activities can be adjusted to suit different ability levels.
Offering Activity Options
"An inclusive classroom provides a maximum amount of support while providing minimal disruption."
Examples of Activity Modifications:
| Skill Level | Modification Example | Support Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning | Simple matching games with visual cues | High support, immediate feedback |
| Intermediate | Partner activities with structured turns | Moderate guidance, peer modeling |
| Advanced | Small group projects with flexible roles | Light supervision, independent choices |
Research published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis found that "social stories" interventions led to increased participation and improved social behaviors that lasted for at least ten months.
Additional Adaptations:
- Add movement breaks between activity segments.
- Provide quiet spaces for children needing a moment to recharge.
- Offer flexible seating arrangements to ensure comfort for all participants.
sbb-itb-938333d
Sample Activities That Work Well
Here are some activities that blend sensory experiences with social interaction, offering both calm engagement and opportunities for skill-building.
Low-Energy Activities
Sensory-focused activities help children process input in a soothing way. Studies indicate that structured sensory play can support cognitive and emotional growth in children with autism.
Construction Site Exploration
Fill a plastic pool with materials like:
- Shredded paper for soft tactile exploration
- Clean sand for a different texture
- Toy construction vehicles for imaginative play
"This activity encourages imaginative play, vocalization, and peer interaction".
Shape Sorting Station
Create a sorting game using items such as large buttons or pom-poms, muffin tins or ice cube trays, and a base material like dry beans or rice. This setup helps refine fine motor skills and provides clear visual cues, making it ideal for solo or small-group play.
For activities requiring more movement, consider these physical options.
Physical Activities
Only 42% of children with autism meet recommended physical activity levels, according to research. Incorporating activities like swimming, martial arts, and dance can enhance motor skills and promote social engagement.
"Exercise has proven physical and mental health benefits in adults and children, such as reducing the risk of developing many health conditions (including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure), helping to maintain a healthy weight, and supporting a positive mood".
Structured group games can also build social connections.
Simple Group Games
Modified games are a great way to teach social skills. Jenna Wharff, Ed.M., explains:
"As with many concepts, games and their component skills may need to be explicitly taught, supported, and adaptations made in order for a child with autism to experience success with the activity".
Modified Simon Says
Adjust this classic game by introducing visual action cards, removing elimination rules, and using clear, simple commands to encourage participation.
Tag With Visual Cues
Make tag easier to follow by having the "it" person wear a visible marker, like a bright hat or vest, so children can quickly identify the leader.
Water Play Station
Set up a station with containers of different sizes and colored water for added visual interest. Define the play area clearly to encourage turn-taking and parallel play while helping develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Tools and Equipment That Help
The right tools can make a big difference in creating engaging and accessible activities for children with autism. They help structure activities and address individual needs.
Schedule Tools and Timers
Visual schedules are great for reducing anxiety by showing what’s coming next. Here are some helpful options:
- Picture Schedule Kit ($89.99): Made with durable materials and customizable visuals.
- Portable Picture Schedule ($22.99): Perfect for outings or travel.
- Magnetic Schedule Sets ($44.99–$69.99): Easy to update and rearrange as needed.
Digital timers with visual countdowns, like ones with a disappearing red disk, help children understand transitions and manage time more easily.
Sensory Support Items
Sensory tools can help children stay calm and comfortable. Christina Kozlowski, MS, OTR/L, explains:
"For children on the autism spectrum, fidgeting – whether through stimming or hand flapping – can be a natural way to self-soothe, and fidget toys offer a structured, therapeutic way to meet these sensory needs."
Some popular sensory tools include:
- Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty: Offers tactile input that’s calming to manipulate.
- Spiky Slap Bracelets: Provides gentle sensory feedback.
- Noise-canceling headphones: Helps manage sensitivity to sounds.
- Weighted lap pads: Delivers calming deep pressure.
Communication Aids
Communication tools are essential for non-verbal children, allowing them to participate in activities. According to estimates, 1.3% of Americans cannot reliably communicate their daily needs through natural speech. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods can bridge this gap.
| Type | Examples | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Tech | Picture boards, communication books | Basic needs and simple choices |
| Mid-Tech | Go Talk devices, 32-Message Communicator | Giving instructions and social phrases |
| High-Tech | TouchChat, Proloquo2Go apps | Complex communication needs |
The National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities emphasizes:
"All people with a disability of any extent or severity have a basic right to affect, through communication, the conditions of their existence."
When choosing tools, it’s important to consider what works best for the child. As Arianna Esposito, Autism Speaks Director of Lifespan and Supports, explains:
"A sensory toy is one that is specially designed to stimulate one or more of the senses. Sensory toys may be more appealing to children on the spectrum because they can help the child remain calm and provide the sensory experience they want."
Next Steps for Better Activities
You don’t need a complete overhaul to make activities more inclusive. Simple, cost-effective sensory changes – like dimming bright lights, setting up quiet areas, or using visual schedules – can make a big difference.
Collaborate with local groups to enhance your programs. For instance, Friendship Circle’s Friends@Home initiative provides community support and volunteer opportunities, offering practical tips for creating effective one-on-one interactions.
Here’s a clear rollout plan to get started:
| Time Frame | Action Steps | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Review current activities and settings | Identify areas for immediate improvement |
| Week 3-4 | Implement basic sensory adjustments | Create more welcoming spaces |
| Month 2 | Provide training for staff and volunteers | Build a confident, capable support team |
| Month 3 | Introduce updated activities | Begin inclusive programming |
Matt Sylvain from Monarch House highlights the importance of enjoyment:
"Having fun is paramount, so make sure that agenda shines through, for everyone".
Balancing fun with necessary accommodations is key.
Once foundational changes are made, focus on securing funding. For example, in 2021, The Arc received support from the Verizon Foundation to expand virtual spaces and improve accessibility. This shows how financial backing can enhance inclusive initiatives.
Dr. Joseph Petner shares an important perspective:
"For me, inclusion is about a community where everyone is recognized for their differences and everyone is recognized as belonging – not only in our schools, but in our communities".
Organizations like The Arc have found that involving autistic individuals in planning leads to more effective and enduring programs. Regularly evaluate your efforts by tracking participation, collecting family feedback, and making real-time adjustments based on what works and what doesn’t.
The goal? Build an environment where every child feels they belong and can actively take part.