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Best Activities for Kids with Autism to Do at Home

StaffFebruary 3, 2025
autism activities to do at home 2

Best Activities for Kids with Autism to Do at Home

autism activities to do at home 2Key Points:

  • Structured activities can promote engagement and skill-building in kids with autism.
  • Tailoring activities to a child’s sensory preferences and developmental needs ensures greater participation.
  • ABA therapy principles can enhance the benefits of at-home autism activities.

Did you know that approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? For many parents, finding engaging, effective ways to support their child’s development at home can feel overwhelming. 

Fortunately, there are numerous autism-friendly activities that are not only fun but also promote social, sensory, and cognitive skills. In this article, we’ll explore practical and enjoyable autism activities to do at home and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.

What Are the Best Autism Activities to Do at Home?

The best autism activities to do at home are those that align with a child’s unique interests and developmental goals. From sensory play to creative exercises, these activities can foster growth and joy in your child’s everyday life. Below, we’ll dive into specific examples and strategies that parents can easily implement.

Sensory Play Ideas for Kids with Autism

Sensory play engages a child’s senses, helping them explore and process their environment. For children with autism, sensory activities can be particularly calming and enriching. Examples of Sensory Play:

Sensory Bins: Fill containers with rice, beans, or kinetic sand and include small toys or tools for scooping and sorting. This helps improve fine motor skills.

Water Play: Provide bowls of water, sponges, and small objects for pouring and squeezing. Adding soap or food coloring can make it even more exciting.

Homemade Playdough: Make playdough with simple ingredients like flour, salt, and water. Add essential oils or glitter for added sensory appeal.

Transition these activities into your child’s daily routine by setting aside specific times for sensory play. Use observations to adjust materials to match their preferences.

child doing artwork

Creative Activities to Build Communication Skills

Creative exercises encourage self-expression and can improve communication in kids with autism. Choose activities that align with your child’s interests and abilities. Ideas to Try:

  • Art Projects: Finger painting, drawing, or crafting with colored paper can help children express their emotions visually.
  • Music Time: Introduce simple instruments like tambourines or xylophones. Singing along to familiar songs encourages verbal skills.
  • Storytelling: Use picture books or puppets to create interactive storytelling sessions. This enhances both language and social interaction.

Be patient during these activities and celebrate small victories, such as new words or gestures. Encouragement fosters confidence and engagement.

Physical Activities for Kids with Autism

Movement-based activities help children improve coordination and release energy. These can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on your space. Suggestions for Physical Play:

  • Obstacle Course: Create an indoor course using cushions, chairs, and toys. This promotes gross motor skills and problem-solving.
  • Yoga for Kids: Simple poses like “tree” or “butterfly” help with balance and focus.
  • Bubble Play: Encourage your child to chase and pop bubbles, which is both fun and good for hand-eye coordination.

Incorporate these activities into daily schedules to ensure regular physical engagement. Structure and repetition often help children with autism thrive.

Learning Activities to Support Development

Educational activities tailored to your child’s learning style can build important cognitive and life skills. Effective Learning Activities:

  • Matching Games: Use flashcards or household items for sorting by color, shape, or size.
  • Puzzles: Start with simple puzzles and increase complexity as your child gains confidence.
  • Cooking Together: Include your child in simple tasks like measuring ingredients or stirring, which fosters practical skills and independence.

Consistency is key when using educational activities. Regular practice reinforces learning and helps children retain new skills.

mother and child reading a book

Calming Activities to Reduce Stress

Many children with autism experience sensory overload or anxiety. Calming activities can help them regulate their emotions.  Examples of Calming Exercises:

  • Deep Breathing Games: Use feathers or pinwheels to make breathing exercises fun.
  • Weighted Blankets: Provide a sense of security during quiet time.
  • Quiet Corners: Designate a cozy area with soft pillows and favorite toys for relaxation.

Introduce these activities when your child shows signs of stress or fatigue. Over time, they may begin using these tools independently.

Wrap-Up: How ABA Therapy Can Enhance At-Home Activities

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy offers strategies to maximize the impact of at-home activities. ABA focuses on breaking tasks into manageable steps and reinforcing positive behaviors, which aligns perfectly with the structure of these activities. If you’re looking for professional guidance, our team at Acclimate ABA can help.

Ready to Support Your Child’s Growth at Home?

At Acclimate ABA, we specialize in providing tailored ABA therapy for families in Utah. Our programs integrate seamlessly with autism activities to do at home, helping your child thrive in a familiar environment. Contact us today to learn more and begin your journey toward meaningful progress!

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