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Activities For Autistic Children
By Rachel Evans
Please can you offer some activity-
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Parents, teachers, and other caregivers often get
so caught up in educating and providing structure to the lives of autistic children
that they forget that, above all, he or she is a child. Like any other child in his
or her age group, your autistic child wants to have fun. While some activities may
not be suitable for those suffering from autism, there are a number of fun games
to play with autistic children, many of which can get them involved with others or
help them further develop motor or social skills while just focusing on having a
good time.
Autistic children in the elementary school age range can benefit greatly
from song. Even children who do not verbally communicate with words can learn to
hum along or play simple instruments, such as tambourines or whistles. Using sounds
that are repetitive and with educational lyricshelps autistic children learn school
lessons but also gives them an outlet for some of the sensory stimulation they need,
such as yelling. Play follow the leader with the instruments to help the children
focus their attention and improve socialization skills.
Get More Information on Natural Remedies for Autism and other PDDs
Depending on how mature your child is, he or she may also not only be able to participate
in regular childhood games, but greatly benefit from them as well. These activities,
including tag and other games, can be learned more easily than you think. Stick with
games in which the autistic child is not forced to have close physical contact with
other children, as this may be hurtful for autistic individuals. Also, remember to
play to your child’s strengths or what he or she wishes to learn. If he or she has
a problem with yelling inappropriately, for example, encouraging him or her to be
involved with a game of hide and seek may help curb this behavior.
Autistic children
often wish to be included in games with non-
As your child matures, he or she may want to be involved
with organized sports. This should be encouraged, but choose your sport carefully.
Golf, baseball, and other sports that do not involve strong personal sensory stimulation
may be better for your child than something like tackle football. However, be open
to all possibilities. Be sure the team’s coach understands your child’s disability
and is willing to work with him or her.
At this later developmental stage, also continue
encouraging learning activities. Sensory games work well to further teach these children,
and as they mature emphasize the importance of appropriate behavior as you are playing
these games. Using things like water balloons in games your child already enjoys
is often as fun for children with autism. Also realize that an autistic individual
has trouble seeing things from another’s point of view. Therefore, they may be less
likely to enjoy games in which something must be kept a secret from another person
(like go-
Overall, you and your child need to grow together. Remember that
although he or she has many special needs, sometimes your child needs to simply be
a kid as well. Encourage play along with work, and realize that games and activities
for autistic children may fulfil two key elements, socialization skills for life
and learning to enjoy playing with their peers.
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