Finding ways to keep children with autism entertained is always a challenge, especially when you want to integrate the rest of the family into the fun. And if you’re like most parents, you want to create new games that capture your child’s interest without overwhelming their senses and leading to a meltdown. Well, stress no further. Here are a few simple and fun DIY games that are perfect for kids with autism and those without.
Zipper Board
If you have young children, keeping their hands occupied means they’re not getting into trouble or finding things they shouldn’t. This zipper board is simple and cheap to make. Grab a piece of sturdy cardboard and head to the craft store to pick up some brightly colored zippers. Use hot-glue to secure these to the board in different positions. Children with Autism love the repetitive movements and bright colors. Best of all, it’s portable and can be the perfect solution for those long car rides.
Rainbow Foam
There’s nothing wrong with good clean fun and rainbow foam offers it in spades. Use ¼ cup of tap water and 2 tablespoons of dish soap or your child’s favorite bubble bath. To create vibrant colors, add a drop or two of your favorite food coloring or use liquid watercolors. Mix with a hand mixer on high for about 2 minutes until the foam forms stiff peaks. Scoop the foam out into a large bin and repeat the process until you have as many colors as you want. We recommend enjoying this activity outside
Balance Web
For this fun activity, all you need is a large roll of painter’s or masking tape and a carpeted room. Use the tape to create a spiderweb-like design on the floor. At the corners of each web segment, place letter tiles, alphabet blocks, or other such items. Then, have your kids walk along the strand of the web and collect the letters to spell out certain words. This works on their balance and fine motor skills while helping develop their academic skills.
Get Help from an Expert
Summer can be fun for everyone, but especially children with autism. You just need to get creative with your activities and find fun ways to keep them interested and occupied. These games are just the tip of the iceberg. Think about what your child loves doing and build off of their hobbies and passions. And if you find yourself struggling with ideas or see an increase in unwanted behavior, reach out for help. Our experts would be happy to chat with you and help you find a solution. Call today to get in touch and learn about games for autistic kids.