Playing with children who have autism can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both the child and the caregiver.
How to play with a child with autism | Tips
Here are some tips for playing with a child who has autism:
- Follow the child’s lead: Children with autism may have different interests and preferences than neurotypical children. It’s important to observe the child’s interests and preferences and follow their lead in play. This can help the child feel more in control and more motivated to engage in play activities.
- Use visual supports: Many children with autism benefit from visual supports, such as pictures or written instructions, to help them understand and participate in play activities. Using visual supports can make play more structured and predictable, which can be particularly helpful for children with autism.
- Incorporate sensory play: Children with autism may have heightened or different sensory needs than neurotypical children. Sensory play activities, such as playing with playdough or water, can be a fun and engaging way to meet these sensory needs.
- Use structured play activities: Structured play activities can be a helpful way to provide a sense of predictability and structure for children with autism. These activities may involve following a set of rules or steps, and can include games, puzzles, or other activities.
- Encourage social interaction: Children with autism may struggle with social interaction, but it’s important to encourage and support social play as much as possible. This can involve playing with toys that require taking turns, playing simple board games, or engaging in other activities that involve social interaction.
- Be patient and supportive: Playing with a child who has autism may require a little extra patience and support. It’s important to be understanding and to provide positive reinforcement when the child engages in play activities.
Remember, every child is different, so it’s important to be flexible and responsive to the child’s needs and preferences. With a little patience and creativity, playing with a child who has autism can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both the child and the caregiver.
How to play with a child with autism | Examples of Games
There are many different games and activities that can be enjoyable and therapeutic for children with severe autism. Here are a few ideas:
- Sensory play: Children with autism often enjoy sensory activities that involve touch, sound, and movement. Examples include playing with playdough, making music with instruments, or jumping on a trampoline.
- Structured play: Children with autism often benefit from structured activities that have clear rules and boundaries. Examples include board games, card games, and puzzles.
- Imitation games: Children with autism may find it challenging to engage in imaginative play, but they may enjoy activities that involve imitating others or following routines. Examples include playing with dolls or stuffed animals, or playing “pretend” with simple props, such as hats and scarves.
- Visual supports: Children with autism may benefit from visual supports, such as picture cards or visual schedules, which can help them to understand what is happening and what is expected of them. Visual supports can be used to support a wide range of activities, including play and daily routines.
- Physical play: Children with autism may enjoy activities that involve gross motor skills, such as throwing, catching, and kicking a ball, or climbing on playground equipment.
Overall, it is important to find activities that are tailored to the interests and abilities of the individual child with autism. By experimenting with different types of games and activities, you can find what works best for your child and help them to have fun and learn new skills
