If your interested after reading this I have a link to it on the side of my page.
Activities for Children With Autism.
Parents,
teachers, and other caregivers often get so caught up in educating and
providing structure for children with autism that they forget that,
above all, they are children. Like other children in their age group, autistic children want 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.
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 fulfil 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.
