Activity Checklists Autism Therapy For Kids
Introduction Activities for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, can be not only opportunities to have fun, but also opportunities to learn skills. One of the hallmarks of ASD is difficulty in communication, so play activities that pay particular attention to communicating are a great way for autism therapy.
If you have to pick a time of year to get outside, this is it! The weather is pleasant and even when not, you can take advantage of what the great outdoors brings during this gorgeous time of year.
Sounds, sights and feelings are at their peak therapeutic value and all you have to do is step outside. But before you do, let's take a look at my top favourite outdoor spring activities so that you can maximise the time you spend with Mother Nature.
Visual Schedules Visual schedules have been critical in both different clinics and in one’s own home. Depend on a calendar and schedule to keep on track. It’s been proven that many children with autism are visual learners. This means that a picture schedule outlining the steps of a task is helpful.
Even for daily tasks such as taking a shower, a schedule of the steps should be posted so that kids know exactly what to expect and what comes next. This can be incorporated into play activities. So, take pictures of a block tower and number them.
Brain Toys
Brain Toys offers toys designed for kids with special needs and serves great autism respite. In addition to providing a description of each toy on the site, there are ratings and customer reviews that are helpful for making a decision on what would be appropriate for a specific child and his specific needs.
The Twig game puts a modern twist on the traditional building blocks. The set includes 72 wooden blocks that are colourful and fun to play with. Each block is precision-cut and compatible with one another, perfect for expanding social skills and taking turns. See & Spell puzzle-style games will help children learn their alphabet and begin to read, especially if they learn better by using their hands. It features 20 puzzle pictures and over 50 colourful letters.
Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunting is not only exciting for your child, but it is also great for sensory stimulation. The idea is to expose your child to different sensory items that he can explore by seeing, smelling and touching.
Make a list and send your kids out to find the items listed. Pine needles, rocks, sticks, leaf and so one can be just a few of the items on the Treasure Hunt list. Or make it a real hunt and place notes in various spots outside. Each note can direct your kids to a new location and at the end you can have a special treasure waiting.
Hiking Even if you’re anxious to get your child out, start small. Go somewhere familiar. Do you have a favorite place that you used to go before you had kiddos? Go there. The more comfortable you are the more comfortable they’ll be. If you have a child who uses a wheelchair, leg braces or something to help their mobility, you will want to go somewhere that has ADA accessibility, paved trails, and few hills. If you don’t know anywhere, ask around in your local group for places that are good for children with limited mobility. Hiking is a great private therapy for Autism. The closer you are to nature, the better it gets.
Swimming
Water holds a special appeal for many children on the autism spectrum, but this fascination can end up being dangerous, especially when coupled with a tendency to wander. Tragically, the National Autism Association reports that between 2009 and 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91 percent of the total deaths reported in children with autism ages 14 and younger who had wandered away from their homes, schools, or caregivers. We can help reduce this risk of accidental drowning, and bring more joy, confidence, and coordination into our autistic kids' lives, by introducing an autism support worker in your kid’s daily schedule.
Conclusion Some popular Early intervention therapies like eco-therapy have many different forms and activities. Benefits include inducing better health, mental stability, stress reduction, adaptation to a daily routine as well as positive reinforcement which also brings joy and recreation.