Activities for autism?

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There are many effective, challenging, and fun activities for those with autism that can be categorized according to the severity and type of autism, age, and interests of the individual. Some activities are sensory-based, while others involve singing songs or reading poetry. Custom sports and activities like track and field events, fishing, golf, or assembling models or construction kits work well. Computer programming can also become an enriching activity for autism. Artistic activities such as dancing, painting, drawing or playing a musical instrument are also often enjoyed by autistic individuals.

Depending on the autistic individual, sensory-based activities can be both enjoyable and beneficial. Children can play with materials of different textures such as dry sand, water or beans. Making things out of paper mache, crafts like sand bottles, or playing with a rainstick expand on this idea. Games like “I Spy” that require participants to identify objects based on verbal descriptions can also be engaging. Additional sensory activities for autism may include a game of whistles, singing songs and dancing, playing with a sound machine, and massage.

Autistic adults may enjoy and even benefit from activities that strengthen their social skills or provide an opportunity to exercise. Many low to high functioning adults enjoy activities for autism such as swimming, gymnastics, and Tai chi or other martial arts. Participating in a team sport like soccer or baseball can encourage autistic adults to learn to work with others to achieve a common goal.

Music and dance lessons, an art class in painting or sculpture, joining a choir, or performing in a play are additional activities for autism that can benefit many adults and children. Such activities can help autistic individuals develop and improve social skills. Many people with autism also enjoy participating in the arts in general, and such activities can help them express themselves more fully.

Families with autistic children can come together for pre-planned activities. Non-autistic family members who are familiar with the needs of specific individuals can help provide autism activities with an appropriate structure. Family activities can include cooking, games, picnics, and storytelling.

There are several things to consider before embarking on any activity for autism. If it is a group activity, participants who may be most helpful to the autistic individual(s) may be appropriate choices. The activity should require only those skills that the autistic participants have learned. Also, you may need to limit the noise level and physical contact as loud sounds and touching can cause some people with autism to experience unnecessary stress. Autism activities can be engaging and beneficial if the specific needs of the participants are adequately addressed.

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