If your children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they may have learned behavioral and emotional challenges. For kids who are often uncomfortable in social situations, non-verbal communication can be more effective than words. 

About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a long-term developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. It is also part of a range of disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). 

  • Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities
  • Autism now affects 1 in 54 children; over half are classified as having an intellectual disability or borderline intellectual disability
  • Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls
  • About 40% of children with autism do not speak. About 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until later in childhood
  • Find the full list of facts and stats at the National Autism Association website here.

If your child is on the autistic spectrum, art and craft activities may have significant therapeutic value for them.

Activities For Children With ASD

Making a Sensory Bottle

Sensory bottle – sounds weird, no? It isn’t. In fact, it can help tingle your child’s senses for good. 

Start by taking an old plastic bottle. Next, add water, sparklers, and some drops of food coloring to the bottle. This will make an eye-catching toy. You can also add some marbles and buttons to the bottle. Then, seal the lid with hot glue. 

Ask your child about their experience with playing with this toy. Let them explain what they feel. This activity can help keep your child engaged and stay focused.  

Try Rubbing Coins

All you need to do is to get some coins and place them on a sheet of paper. Make different colorful patterns on the paper by rubbing different crayons. 

Show it to your child and ask them to mimic the same drawings. See them excitingly follow suit. Trust us, watching your child engage in productive activity will feel awesome! This will also help in developing their hand-eye coordination skills. 

Ice Painting

This is an enjoyable science experiment that is a must-try. This activity will help in stimulating your child’s curious mind.

To start with this activity, you need to pour acrylic paint (in different colors) into ice trays and place sticks (wooden crafted) in all the compartments. Once it is frozen, remove the paint. Then, let your child make different designs by melting the color on paper.

Smelling Games to Boost their Brain

To start this activity, you need to take a small container, preferably an old painted jar of jam. Fill a section of the jar with ingredients of different fragrances like coffee, lavender, and soap. Then, seal the top of the jar using a piece of fabric and a rubber band. 

Ask your child to identify the different fragrances. Autistic children love to learn about their senses. Chances are, they will appreciate this activity. 

Try the Magical Matching Game

For this activity, place 10-15 different words (printed) on the side of a table and their corresponding pictures on the other side. Then, ask your child to match the words with the related images. 

This activity can evaluate what your child is learning at school and their understanding of animals, numbers, and foods. 

Thread Edible Jewelry

Creativity incites positivity. This holds true for Autistic kids as well. One good way to bring out their creative skills is by getting them to make edible jewelry. 

Consider encouraging your child to develop their motor skills by threading colorful candies and cereals with a hole in the middle. You can also use licorice and candy lace to make beautiful bracelets and necklaces. Once your child is done making the jewelry, tie the ends on a knot. By the end of the activity, your child will be delighted with the fashionable creation made by them. 

Autism in children is a sensitive situation. You need to make sure you treat your kid gently and become their best friend. Engaging them in the above-stated activities will help them become the best version of themselves. 

You can also consider ABA therapy for your Autistic kid from Hidden Talents ABA. They are experts in dealing with such kids and know how to work on their comprehension and socializing skills.