Activities for Children with Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain, wherein the child is impaired to communicate and have social interactions. Autism develops, before the child turns three, and it handicaps the child by restricting communication and subjecting behavior to limited actions. However, statistics show there is only 1 child in every 100 births, who acquires this developmental disorder. Dealing with autism is a traumatic experience for most of the parents at first. However, with proper care and guidance, an autistic child can learn to be fairly independent.

Myself
Children with autism, barely ever talk. They do not perceive, which is why they do not process. Hence, 'Myself', is one of the activities for autistic children, to help them know about themselves. To play this game, every child has to introduce himself/herself to the class and talk about one more thing about themselves. Doing this activity repeatedly, helps the child observe different things in the surroundings and learn to be a little more attentive.

Swim Like a Fish
Swim like a fish is one of the fun activities for children with autism. Take the children to a swimming pool. Make them walk in pairs by holding hands. Walking in pairs is a great way of making autistic children, learn authority and introducing them to a social situation. Let the children enter the pool in pairs. Make sure you have a lot of floating toys in the pool, so that it attracts them. Now let the children be themselves. Let them splash water, play with toys or swim. Make a note of their expressions and their interactions, to know how they are progressing. This game will teach them to share a common space with many others.

Stroke of Art
Yes, it's true, that autistic children, find it difficult, to express themselves. However, most of these children, can express themselves through various forms of art. Hand out blank drawing sheets to every child and make them sit in circles. Every circle will get only two sets of colors. Let them draw, whatever they want. Every painting is an expression of inner self. Thus, you can know these children better through reading their paintings. Additionally, having limited colors, will teach these children to share things and interests, approaching friends and maintaining etiquette. Art activities can also be done through dance classes, music and dramatics.

Outdoor Activities
Teaching body distance, giving and receiving compliments, community rules, table manners and interpreting and using facial expressions to autistic children is the most crucial thing. The best way of doing this is through, making them a part of an outdoor activity. Playing outdoor games like football, basketball, dodge the ball and simple games like playing catch are great learning activities for autistic children. Such activities, help children to learn the aforementioned skills in a new way and through a new perspective.

To make the most out of activities for autistic children, try and conduct them, outside a school or home. A new environment, allows the child to see new things, thus enabling him/her to learn about new things. Every child has different levels of autism, which need to be understood before you begin taking up any activities. Indulging in learning activities may also help such children to develop a skill or a hobby to last them a lifetime. Encouragement and motivation are the important ingredients of making such children cope up with this disorder. So, help these children help themselves, for a better future.