For many years, research has investigated the role that typically developing peers may be able to play in the social learning of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Finding the right daily activities for your autistic child can be challenging. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Today, we’re sharing a comprehensive guide to creating an engaging and supportive environment for your little one. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Sensory Activities
Importance of Sensory Play for Autistic Children
Sensory play is super important for kids with autism. Why? It helps them explore their senses and understand the world around them better. Plus, it can improve focus, coordination, and even communication skills! So let’s make sensory activities a part of your child’s daily routine.
Ideas for Sensory Activities
- Playdough or slime play: Who doesn’t love squishing stuff? Playdough and slime are great ways to engage touch-sensitive kids while working on fine motor skills.
- Water Play: Water play is fun and soothing! Fill a container with water and let your child splash around or pour water from one cup to another. You could also add floating toys or colored ice cubes to make it extra exciting.
- Sensory bins & bags: Fill up bins or zip lock bags with rice, beans, sand, or shaving cream – pick something interesting! Add small toys or objects to find hidden treasures as they dig through these tactile wonders.
- Sound Exploration: Music time! Let your kid try out different musical instruments like drums, shakers, and bells – anything that makes noise will do!
Tips To Make Sensory Activities Safe & Enjoyable
Safety first: always supervise these daily activities for autistic children closely.
Keep things clean by using washable materials. Introduce new textures slowly if needed and remember that patience is key here! Every child is unique; let yours explore independently.
Calming Activities: Daily Activities for Autistic Child
Why Calming Activities Are Essential
Life can get overwhelming, especially for autistic kids. Calming activities help them cope with stressful situations and ease anxiety. They’re like a mini-vacation for the mind!
Ideas for Calming Activities
- Deep pressure therapy (weighted blankets, hugs): Gentle pressure is comfy! Weighted blankets or bear hugs have are great tools to help calm down sensory-sensitive children.
- Calming music or nature sounds: Relaxing tunes work wonders! Try playing soft melodies or soothing nature sounds in the background during quiet time.
- Visual relaxation (lava lamps, fish tanks): Watching slow-moving visuals can be mesmerizing! Lava lamps and fish tanks are perfect examples of this calming activity.
- Mindfulness exercises (deep breathing, meditation): Taking deep breaths and practicing simple meditation techniques can help your child feel more centered and relaxed throughout the day.
Read more: What to do With an Autistic Child
Tips To Incorporate Calming Activities Into the Daily Routine
- Schedule downtime every day – consistency matters!
- Create a designated space at home where your kid knows they can relax.
- Use visual cues like stickers on a calendar to remind them of these daily activities for autistic children.
- Be there as support when needed but also encourage independence when possible.
Social Activities: Daily Activities for Autistic Child
Benefits of Social Interaction in Autism Development
Socializing is crucial for all kids, including those with autism! It helps them build essential life skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Plus, it’s fun to make friends and create lasting memories.
Ideas for Socializing Opportunities
- Playdates with peers or siblings: Schedule playdates with other kids – either classmates or siblings work just fine! Keep the group small at first to avoid overwhelming your child.
- Group classes (art, dance, or sports): Sign up your little ones for group classes they enjoy! Art, dance, or sports – anything that sparks their interest will do.
- Board games and cooperative play: Board games are awesome daily activities for autistic children! They teach teamwork while having a great time together.
Read more: How to Create an Autism Daily Routine
Guidance on Supporting Positive Social Experiences
- Be there as support but let them take the lead.
- Prepare ahead by discussing expectations and possible challenges.
- Use visual cues like timers to help manage transitions during events.
- Celebrate every milestone – big or small!
Tips For Parents On Daily Activities To Do With Their Autistic Child That Benefits Them:
Establishing Routines & Consistency
A well-planned routine works like magic for kids with autism! It creates a sense of predictability and safety, making daily activities for autism easier to navigate. Don’t forget to include visual schedules or charts as they can be super helpful in reinforcing the routine.
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
Click below to make your CUSTOM printable visual schedule! 👇
Focusing on Their Interests and Strengths
Every kid has unique talents! Please encourage your child by incorporating their favorite hobbies into daily activities whenever possible. When planning activities for autistic children, focusing on their interests and strengths can make a world of difference! By doing so, you’re providing them with opportunities to explore their passions while building self-esteem.
Encouraging Independence Through Chores
Believe it or not, simple chores can be empowering activities for autistic children! By assigning age-appropriate tasks like sorting laundry, setting the table, or watering plants, you’re helping your child develop essential life skills and a sense of responsibility. These small accomplishments do wonders for their self-esteem and lay the groundwork for further independence as they grow older. Remember to tailor the chores to their abilities and offer guidance when needed – but also allow them space to figure things out on their own.
Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids
Read More: What Are the Needs of a Child With Autism?
Incorporating Learning Opportunities During Fun Activities
Turn everyday moments into lessons: count steps while walking upstairs or identify colors when sorting laundry together! Combining learning and fun is a fantastic approach when planning activities for autistic children. This way, they can acquire new skills while enjoying themselves! Look for creative ways to integrate educational elements into their favorite pastimes. For instance, if your child loves playing with toy cars, you can incorporate counting or color recognition exercises into their playtime. Or if baking is their thing, try including simple math problems by measuring ingredients together. The key is to make the learning process enjoyable and engaging so that your child feels motivated and excited about acquiring new knowledge – all while having a blast!
Parenting an autistic child takes love & patience; remember you’re doing great even when things don’t go smoothly. You got this, Goally parents!
Tips For Autistic Kids To Enjoy Their Day Doing Different Daily Activities:
Helping Your Child Choose Enjoyable Tasks
Let your autistic child choose activities they love, improving their engagement and enjoyment. Involve them in decision-making, presenting options based on their preferences such as painting or dancing. This encourages autonomy and confidence, turning activities into insightful and fun learning opportunities.
Praising Their Efforts and Celebrating Accomplishments
Celebrate every win, no matter how small! This boosts confidence and encourages them to keep trying new things. Be sure to be providing visual schedules to guide their day. Visual aids rock! Use charts or planners with pictures to help your child understand what’s planned for the day – it makes transitions smoother too!
Allowing Breaks and Downtime for Relaxation
Everyone needs a break sometimes; make sure you schedule some downtime where they can unwind and recharge. Curiosity is awesome – support your child in discovering brand-new hobbies or activities that spark their interest!
Goally | Routines that Actually Work
Goally’s skill building tablet for kids has routines that break down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning. See it in action:
Wrapping Up
Providing a variety of daily activities for your autistic child can significantly enhance their overall development and well-being. By incorporating sensory play, calming exercises, social interactions, and educational opportunities into their routine, you’re creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to their unique needs. Remember to focus on their interests, encourage independence, and celebrate their accomplishments along the way. With patience, love, and consistency, you’ll empower your child to thrive and enjoy each day to the fullest.
FAQs About Daily Activities for Autistic Children
What are some examples of daily activities for autistic children? Examples of daily activities for autistic children include sensory play, social skills games, physical exercises, and structured learning tasks tailored to their interests and abilities.
How can emotional regulation apps benefit autistic children? Emotional regulation apps help autistic children recognize, understand, and manage their emotions, improving their ability to cope with stress and communicate effectively with others.
What types of rewards are effective for motivating autistic children? Effective rewards for autistic children include praise, tangible items, preferred activities, and social reinforcement, tailored to the child's individual preferences and needs.
How can parents support their autistic child's daily activities? Parents can support their autistic child's daily activities by providing structure, consistency, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement, while also adapting to the child's unique needs and interests.
What is the importance of routines for autistic children? Routines provide predictability and structure for autistic children, helping them feel secure, reducing anxiety, and promoting the development of self-regulation and independence.
This post was originally published on 04/03/2023. It was updated on 12/29/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
