It is estimated that 1 in 59 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by the age of 8.
Whether your autistic child is on the mild or severe end of the spectrum, it will be difficult for them to take on childhood activities that are considered ordinary.
Working around an autistic child’s difficulties with sensory, communication, and social skills is hard as they have a preference for routine and repetition.
Unfortunately, as a result of these challenges, many parents and family members who are not well-versed in dealing with autistic individuals tend to avoid trying out new activities with their autistic children.
Nonetheless, despite the fact that individuals with autism might not actively seek out company or want to try out new experiences, it does not mean that they are against it.
The trick is to learn the best way to reach out to them so you can figure out what they might be interested in.
Additionally, you should take every opportunity to spend as much time interacting with them as you can. This article offers you different outdoor activities that you can try out with your autistic child this summer.
Choosing the Right Activity for Your Autistic Child
There are multiple ways in which you can enjoy hobbies and activities together with your autistic child.
In some instances, you might have to make accommodations. However, for the most part, being autistic is usually not an issue, and it can actually be an advantage.
The main challenge, however, is choosing a venue or activity that is both comfortable and interesting to the child with autism. Autism friendly outings are a good place to start.
Consider the following tips to help you in those efforts.
1. Begin by Observing How the Child Plays
If they are verbal, question them a little. This will help you find out what it is that they like doing. Also, be keen on noticing the things they like sharing with you if any.
2. Try and Join in on Whatever They Are Doing
However, instead of trying to jump in with your ideas and guidance, try and follow their lead. The most important goal of your interaction is to engage and communicate, not instruct.
3. Figure out Ways to Expand Their Interests
This means observing their hobbies and introducing them to related activities. For example, if they like collecting baseball cards, you can try and see if they would be interested in watching a game.
4. Be Methodical in Your Approach
This means taking it a step at a time. For example, instead of taking them out to see a major league baseball game, start with a single inning at a high school game.
The goal is to get them comfortable with such settings and work your way up.
5. Ensure That They Are Having Fun
While you might have the best interests for your child, sometimes, the activity that you have chosen to indulge in with them might not be cutting it.
In such instances, do not insist on egging them on, rather back off a bit and start looking for other activities that they might like better.
Outdoor Summer Activities to Consider
While every child is different, there are some activities that generally cut across the board. If you are looking for fun activities to help you interact with your autistic child, consider the following.
1. Hide-and-Seek
This game has been a kid staple for many generations. It is not only fun but also helps in igniting children’s social and problem-solving skills. You can alter its level of difficulty, depending on their age and abilities.
You will need a couple of toys (or any other things you can hide), pieces of paper, and a pen or marker.
To play, hide a toy, and offer the child a hint that will help them find it. For older children, you can leave a set of clues that lead up to the toy or object.
Be creative and hide the objects in unusual sports so they can exercise their imagination.
While at it, make sure that you use something interesting. With a bit of thought, you can get the right kind of toy for your child.
2. Bubbles
Everyone loves bubbles, and that is what makes them such a fun play item.
In addition to being fun, playing with bubbles is a sensory activity that improves attention as well as being a physical activity that allows you to play and bond with your child.
You will need a bubble solution and bubble blowers of different sizes.
To play, blow some bubbles and let the child try and catch them. While at it, talk to them about the colors and size of the bubbles. For older kids, encourage them to blow bubbles for themselves.
It is not only fun but also strengthens their oral muscles. Offer them blowers of different sizes to make things more interesting.
3. Follow the Leader
One of the hallmarks of the autism spectrum disorder is having difficulty getting them to pay attention and get involved in what you want.
This is why imitation games such as ‘Follow the Leader’ are great since they allow you to join your child’s world and play with them.
To play, sit next to them and start imitating their play actions. They may not notice it at the beginning, but keep mimicking them, and soon, they will be hooked.
It is important to allow your child to lead the dance so that they can be motivated to try new things.
Then, gradually you can take over and allow them to follow you.
Have Fun!
An autistic child needs fun and interactive games, even more than their ordinary counterparts. This is because such games allow them to have better control over their limitations.
As such, as a parent, it is important that you keep looking for innovative and interactive ways that will help them experience as normal a childhood as possible.
Looking for more ways to help your child have a good time? Be sure to check out our toy reviews section.
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