10 Summer Activities for Autism

Finding engaging activities for autism, especially during the summer months, can provide both fun and beneficial experiences for children on the spectrum. Aiming to strike a balance between educational, sensory-rich, and recreational activities is essential for their growth and development. These summer activities for autism not only support skill development but also offer opportunities for kids to enjoy the warm weather while staying active.

Creating a Visual Schedule

Steps for creating a visual schedule for summer activities for autism include:

1. Assess Needs and Preferences: Start by understanding your child’s unique needs, preferences, and the daily activities they engage in. This initial assessment guides the visual schedule’s design.
2. Gather and Create Visuals: Collect clear, easily recognizable visuals for each activity. These can be digital images, photographs, or simple icons.
3. Choose a Format: Decide whether you will use a digital app, a printed paper schedule, or a physical board with removable visuals. Arrange activities in a logical order, such as chronologically from morning to night.
4. Introduce and Explain: Before using the schedule, show it to your child and explain its purpose. This helps them understand and accept the visual guide.
5. Stay Flexible: Incorporate flexibility to accommodate spontaneous activities or changes in routine. This can include using symbols like a question mark to indicate unexpected fun activities.
6. Use Consistently: Consistency is key. Regular use helps your child become familiar with the schedule, enhancing their understanding and comfort level.
7. Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate when your child successfully follows the schedule or completes tasks independently. Positive reinforcement motivates continued use and success with the schedule.

10 Summer Activities for Autism in Children

By embracing these opportunities, families can ensure a summer that is both enjoyable and developmental for children with autism, paving the way for a fulfilling and enriching experience that lasts well beyond the season.

Nature Walks and Hiking

Nature walks and hiking offer a multitude of sensory experiences that are beneficial for children with autism. The varied sights, sounds, and textures found in natural settings provide a rich learning environment. Engaging in these activities not only helps in sensory integration but also enhances physical coordination and balance. Regular hikes can significantly improve attention and cognitive skills as children navigate through different terrains and respond to the natural stimuli around them. Additionally, the calming effect of nature reduces stress and promotes a sense of well-being.

Swimming and Water Play

Swimming and water play are essential for children with autism as they provide both therapeutic and developmental benefits. Initiating sensory-friendly swimming lessons can make water activities accessible and enjoyable. These lessons are tailored to be less overwhelming by reducing sensory triggers and incorporating tools like pool noodles and flutter boards to ease children into swimming. Conducting these activities during quieter hours or in less crowded settings helps minimize sensory overload, making the experience more comfortable for the child. Moreover, water play using simple setups like tubs filled with toys or water beads can significantly enhance motor skills and sensory processing abilities, making them a fun and educational choice for summer activities.

Painting and Crafts

Engaging in painting and crafts provides children with autism a valuable outlet for self-expression. These activities allow them to communicate feelings and experiences in a non-verbal way, enhancing their emotional and psychological well-being. Additionally, activities such as painting with brushes or creating shapes with cut vegetables and fruits help improve coordination and fine motor skills, which are critical for daily tasks and academic performance. Completing a craft project can give children a strong sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence, which is essential for their overall development.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are not only enjoyable but also serve as therapeutic modalities that enhance motor skills, coordination, and balance. These activities encourage children to express themselves and connect with others, fostering social interactions. Through structured music sessions, children with autism can improve their ability to communicate and interact with others. These activities involve singing, playing instruments, and rhythmic movements, which aid in the development of speech and language skills. Moreover, dance and music therapies are known to promote neurological and emotional benefits, including increased emotional intelligence and neuroplasticity. This leads to better emotional regulation and an improved ability to cope with new or challenging situations.

Zoos and Aquariums

Many zoos and aquariums across North America have taken significant steps to become more autism-friendly. Initiatives like “Zoos Go Blue,” in partnership with Autism Speaks, highlight these efforts. On April 28, over 30 accredited zoos and aquariums offer special programs such as discounted admissions and educational activities tailored for visitors with autism. These organizations also provide tool kits to families and staff, enhancing the visit experience by preparing both visitors and caregivers with necessary resources to manage sensory sensitivities effectively.

Amusement Parks and Theme Parks

Amusement parks and theme parks are also transforming to accommodate guests with autism. Notable parks have become Certified Autism Centers, where staff undergo training to better serve visitors with sensory and social differences. For example, Sesame Place and LEGOLAND Florida Resort offer quiet rooms, sensory guides, and special passes like the “Blue Hero Pass” that minimize waiting times. Furthermore, places like Disney World and Disneyland provide Disability Access Service passes, allowing guests to return at scheduled times, reducing the stress of long waits. These adjustments ensure that all visitors, regardless of their sensory needs, can enjoy a fun and inclusive experience.

Sensory Bins and Tools

Sensory bins provide a dynamic environment for children with autism to explore and engage their senses. These bins are typically filled with a variety of materials such as rice, sand, or water, and various items that children can manipulate. This tactile exploration supports sensory development and aids in the improvement of fine motor skills which are crucial for daily activities. Sensory bins not only stimulate the senses of sight, touch, and hearing but also encourage cognitive skills through activities like sorting and counting. The versatility of sensory bins allows them to be themed around seasons or concepts, enhancing their educational value while keeping the experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Gardening and Planting

Gardening offers a multitude of sensory and therapeutic benefits for children with autism. It serves as a calming yet engaging activity that enhances both fine and gross motor skills through tasks like digging, planting, and watering. A garden provides a safe space where children can experience the textures, scents, and colors of nature, promoting sensory integration. The process of caring for plants teaches responsibility and patience, while the garden itself becomes a place of learning and discovery. Incorporating plants with various textures and fragrances can turn a simple garden into a rich sensory playground, ideal for children with sensory processing needs.

Get Started with ABA Therapy This Summer

Get started with ABA therapy at Empower Behavioral Health this summer to provide your child with the support and skills they need to thrive. ABA therapy can complement these creative and expressive activities, offering a comprehensive approach to enhancing their development. Don’t wait – give your child the opportunity to grow and succeed in a supportive and nurturing environment. Find an ABA location near you, and contact us today!