Please can you offer some activity-based suggestions
and PE/games options for autistic children that they can do at home
or at school. Looking at two age groups here 7 – 10 and 11-16.
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 lyrics helps 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.
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-autistic peers, and so this may help with the learning process.
At home, focus on games that involve closer contact with trusted
family members. For example, make it a game to get across the room
without touching the floor. Perhaps the only route in some instances
is to be carried. Remember that each child is different
developmentally, so stay in tune with how challenging the activities
should be.
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-fish).
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
fulfill two key elements, socialization skills for life and learning
to enjoy playing with their peers.
There are many more resources and information about diagnosing,
controlling and treating Autism in, The Essential Guide To Autism.
Recent studies have shown that there is
currently a worldwide autism epidemic. In fact, more than 1.5
million people are affected in the United States alone, with one in
every 250 children diagnosed.
It's true that early detection and early treatment are the two key
factors in improving prognosis -- but too often parents get bogged
down in denial or confusion about this still mysterious disorder,
and are unable or unwilling to take the necessary steps.
The Essential Guide to Autism contains advice and information that
will help you make the right treatment decisions for your child.
Today, many youngsters can be helped to attend school alongside
their peers. Some programs are demonstrating that with appropriate
support, many people with autism can be trained to do meaningful
work and participate fully in community life.
All of the materials on this site have been included for the purpose of
providing general information, and they should not be relied on as a
substitution for professional advice.
