From calming music to sensory play, these activities will not only keep those busy little brains engaged but also help them develop their communication, self-care, and play skills in a fun way.
Sensory Play Station: Set up an open tray filled with dry rice, dry beans, or kinetic sand. Explore the different textures, and comment on how they feel: is the rice spiky, the beans smooth?
Get Crafty: Handmake some special greeting cards, using feathers, leaves, coloured paints and your fingers! The key here is to provide a variety of tactile materials to keep things interesting.
At-Home Cinema: Pop some popcorn in the microwave and print out paper tickets – use visuals to explain to your child that they need to present a ticket to ‘buy’ popcorn from the cinema snack bar! Then get cosy with all the blankets and cushions for a movie afternoon watching your child’s favourite film.
Cook Together: Pancake mix poured onto an electric fry pan is an easy way of making a sweet treat to share.
Nature Walks: Go on quiet walks and encourage kids to collect found items.
Story Time: Set up a special area in your home filled with toys and visuals that help your child relax. This can be a storytime space during the end-of-year break, for reading holiday-themed books with strong illustrations.
Puzzles: Puzzles are a great quiet play activity the whole family can enjoy. Choose puzzles with large pieces or engaging visuals that can be completed together.
Dance Party: Clear the room and host a dance party with games like freeze dance, using visual cues for instructions.
You can adapt any of these ideas to incorporate your child’s individual interests or sensory preferences.
Read more tips and insights in our latest issue of Eyes on Autism.
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