ABA Therapy Resources
Finding the right activities for autistic kids can be both exciting and challenging. Play isn’t just fun, it’s an essential part of learning and growth, helping children build communication skills, social interactions, motor coordination, and self-regulation. For children with autism spectrum disorder, choosing the right kind of play is especially important. Some kids may thrive with sensory-rich environments, while others benefit from calm, predictable routines.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of structured, creative, and calming activities that support each child’s development while keeping your child engaged and confident.
Key Takeaways
- Activities for autistic kids support learning, communication, and self-regulation through play tailored to their sensory needs and developmental goals.
- Sensory bins, obstacle courses, and language games help children with autism build motor skills, express emotions, and improve social interactions.
- Making structured play part of a daily routine encourages consistency, reduces anxiety, and boosts confidence in autistic children.
Why Activities Matter for Autistic Kids
Play is one of the most natural and effective ways for children with autism to learn and grow. Whether it’s helping a child develop fine motor skills by stringing beads or strengthening social skills through shared storytelling, the right activities offer far more than entertainment; they build life skills. According to research from the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, structured play can significantly improve emotional regulation and social behaviors in children with intellectual disabilities and those on the autism spectrum.
For children with sensory needs, activities tailored to their interests and sensitivities help reduce anxiety and support self-regulation. When a child is actively engaged in an activity that feels familiar and safe, it opens the door to learning, focus, and connection with others.
Sensory Activities to Support Regulation
Sensory play is essential for helping many children with autism understand and process the world around them. By interacting with different textures, sounds, and movements, kids can better self-regulate, improve focus, and manage transitions. It’s also a fun way to explore creativity and build confidence.
For children who enjoy sound and rhythm, musical instruments like hand drums, maracas, or xylophones can be a great sensory activity. These instruments support auditory processing, build rhythm awareness, and can be used for emotional regulation through repetitive sound patterns. Here are a few sensory play and activities that are easy to try at home:
Kinetic Sand Tray
Moldable and soothing, kinetic sand provides tactile stimulation and can be used for pretend play with small objects or different shapes. It encourages creativity and helps children practice hand strengthening through pinching, squeezing, and shaping. You can also hide small toys in the sand for a mini excavation activity that builds attention and fine motor coordination.
DIY Calm-Down Bottle
Fill a plastic bottle with water, glitter glue, and food coloring. Watching the swirling contents can help with visual stimulation and emotional regulation. This activity teaches children how to focus and self-soothe when feeling overwhelmed.
Bubble Wrap Popping
A great sensory activity for releasing energy while providing satisfying sound and texture feedback. Popping bubbles can improve finger strength and fine motor precision in a fun, pressure-free way. Try turning it into a game by adding counting, color recognition, or matching challenges.
Water Beads in a Sensory Bin
Let kids scoop, pour, and sort colorful water beads. This helps develop fine motor skills and teaches children about texture, color, and coordination. The smooth texture provides a unique sensory experience that many kids with autism find calming.
Weighted Lap Pads or Blankets
These can be used during reading or quiet time to provide calming sensory input and support self-regulation. The gentle pressure helps reduce restlessness and improve body awareness, especially during seated tasks. Weighted tools can also be used as part of a calming routine to support focus before transitions or bedtime.
For kids with heightened sensitivities, start with short sessions and observe their comfort level before increasing time or complexity.
Motor Skill Activities for Strength and Coordination
Motor activities are vital for building balance, coordination, and strength. Many children with autism benefit from exercises that improve both gross and fine motor skills, especially when these activities are play-based and structured around the child’s interests. Try incorporating some of these ideas into your weekly routine:
Obstacle Course
Use pillows, boxes, and chairs to build a course that encourages crawling, jumping, and climbing. This supports gross motor skills and spatial awareness. You can tailor the layout to focus on specific movements, like balancing on a beam or crawling under a tunnel.
Yoga with Visual Aids
Simple yoga poses like “tree” or “bridge” help with body awareness and flexibility. Use picture cards or videos for guidance. Yoga can support emotional regulation by incorporating breathing techniques and calming movement.
Sorting Small Objects with Tongs
Provide kids with different items to sort into containers using tongs. This strengthens grip, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor control. This type of task also supports visual discrimination and bilateral coordination, important skills for everyday tasks like dressing or writing.
Bean Bag Toss
Great for building coordination and turn-taking. Adjust the difficulty level based on the child’s abilities. You can incorporate numbers, colors, or letters on the targets to combine motor movement with learning goals. This game also encourages patience and emotional control when playing with peers or caregivers.
| Activity | Skill Targeted |
|---|---|
| Obstacle Course | Gross motor coordination |
| Sorting with Tongs | Fine motor & dexterity |
| Yoga | Balance & body awareness |
| Bean Bag Toss | Hand-eye coordination |
Communication and Language-Building Games
Communication and social skills can be strengthened through intentional play. Whether your child is verbal or nonverbal, structured games can help with expressive language, receptive understanding, and social exchanges. Consider trying these activities with your child:
Picture Exchange Games
Using a set of cards or PECS-style visuals, encourage children to request toys, snacks, or actions by selecting the right image. This approach supports early communication by teaching children how to make choices and initiate interactions. It’s especially helpful for nonverbal or minimally verbal kids and can be used in both home and therapy settings.
Mirror Mimic Game
Take turns copying each other’s facial expressions or body movements. This builds joint attention and encourages imitation. It’s a fun and low-pressure way to support social communication, emotional awareness, and body coordination. Adding music or silly faces can increase engagement and help kids practice expressive gestures in a playful setting.
Story Sequencing Cards
These cards help children learn to organize events, understand cause and effect, and expand vocabulary. They promote narrative thinking, which is key for academic success and conversation skills. Start with simple three-step sequences and gradually build to longer stories as your child’s language develops.
I-Spy with Descriptions
Instead of pointing, describe objects by color, shape, or use. This helps build receptive and expressive language skills. It encourages children to listen carefully, expand their vocabulary, and respond with increasing accuracy.
These activities can also be integrated into ABA play therapy, where BCBAs use structured reinforcement to teach new communication goals.
Social Play Ideas to Build Connection
Many kids with autism benefit from guided social play that helps develop turn-taking, cooperation, and empathy. These games don’t just entertain, they teach the building blocks of positive social interactions. Here are a few options that can be used in one-on-one or small group settings:
Cooperative Puzzle Building
Work on a puzzle together, focusing on sharing pieces and taking turns placing them. This activity teaches patience, cooperation, and how to follow a shared goal. It also provides opportunities for conversation, encouragement, and problem-solving in a relaxed setting.
Parachute Games
In group settings, simple parachute lifts and waves build teamwork and shared focus. You can add activities like rolling a ball on the parachute or calling colors to boost attention and coordination. These games also support social interactions like turn-taking, listening to group cues, and moving together with rhythm.
Visual prompts, first/then boards, or cue cards can help reduce confusion and make participation easier.
How to Adapt Activities Based on Age and Sensory Needs
No two children are the same, and their responses to activities may vary depending on age, developmental level, and sensory profile. For toddlers or preschool-aged kids, shorter, high-interest activities with visual supports are best. Older children may enjoy longer, more structured tasks with specific goals and feedback. Here are a few ways to tailor activities:
- For younger kids: Break tasks into smaller steps, use large visuals, and keep activities under 15 minutes.
- For older kids: Add an extra challenge, like a timer, sequence, or reward-based system, to boost motivation and structure.
- For sensory-sensitive kids: Offer breaks, keep noise and lighting consistent, and avoid materials with unexpected textures unless the child is familiar with them.
The key is to observe how your child reacts and be flexible. When children feel safe and supported, they’re more likely to try new things.
Tips for Making Play Part of the Routine
Embedding play into a child’s daily schedule can reduce anxiety and improve consistency. For many autistic children, structured routines help create predictability and a sense of control, especially when transitions are involved.
Here are a few strategies for making playtime feel like a natural part of the day:
- Use Visual Schedules: Picture cards or printed charts can help children see what activity comes next.
- Create a Play Corner or Station: Designate a specific area in the home with favorite toys or sensory materials. Familiarity helps children feel in control.
- Pair Play with Rewards: Use reinforcement strategies (like praise, stickers, or small rewards) after successful engagement to increase motivation.
When play becomes part of a routine, it feels less like a task and more like something to look forward to.
Conclusion
Activities for autistic kids should be purposeful, flexible, and above all, enjoyable. Whether your focus is sensory regulation, communication, or motor development, the right activity can create meaningful moments of growth and connection. With patience, creativity, and consistency, play becomes more than entertainment; it becomes a pathway to progress.
At Nurturing Nests Therapy Center Inc. in Los Angeles, we specialize in creating personalized, evidence-based activity plans that support every child’s unique strengths and developmental goals. Whether you’re looking to encourage communication, sensory regulation, or social engagement, our team is here to guide you with compassion and expertise. Contact us today to learn how structured play can become a powerful part of your child’s growth and daily routine.
FAQs
What is the best activity for an autistic child?
There’s no single “best” activity for every autistic child, as preferences and needs vary widely. However, many children benefit from sensory-based play, such as water tables, kinetic sand, or calming sensory bottles. The best activities are those that match the child’s interests, support regulation, and encourage engagement at their own pace.
How to calm children with autism?
Calming strategies often involve reducing sensory stimulation input and creating a predictable environment. Techniques like deep pressure (using weighted blankets), sensory bottles, dim lighting, or quiet play can be helpful. Teaching coping tools, like requesting a break or using visuals, can also empower children to self-regulate over time.
How do I entertain my autistic child?
Entertaining an autistic child involves offering activities that are both engaging and aligned with their comfort level. Try play-based options like cause-and-effect toys, sorting games, or movement-based activities like yoga or obstacle courses. It’s helpful to observe what your child enjoys and create routines around those interests.
What games do autistic kids like?
Autistic children often enjoy games that are structured, sensory-rich, or visual. These might include matching games, puzzles, or turn-taking activities with clear rules. Many also enjoy repetition and solo play, so offering both independent and interactive options is ideal.
What to teach a child with autism?
Focus on building foundational life skills through play and daily routines. This includes communication (verbal or nonverbal), emotional regulation, fine and gross motor coordination, and social interaction. Activities that support these areas can be both enjoyable and highly beneficial for development.
