Keeping a child with ASD happy and entertained can be a challenge, to help we have collated some fun autism ideas to try.

Ideas for home

As with many of our articles there is a common caveat, what one autistic child finds fun may not be fun for another.

But with that said here are some activities you could try.

Making sensory tubes

We already have an article explaining how you make the tubes which can be found here.

But in short, making sensory tubes or toys at home can be a really engaging way to play together. Some children love the ‘building’ process as much as the playing with the homemade toy afterwards.

All you need is some basic household items and you are away.

Messy play

Messy play is a wide ranging theme which as you would have guessed may involve some cleaning afterwards.

Some autistic children love the feeling of things like sand and slime in their fingers.

The trick with messy play is to choose an appropriate area to start. This could be on a wipe clean floor or even outside.

You can place bin liners down on the floor in advance also.

Once set up things like paints, coloured sand and bowls of water are required.

You may want to invest in an apron as well if you think your child will wear one.

It is just down the to let your child enjoy themselves with the different colours and textures presented. They can make ‘potions’ or ‘mud pies’ until their heart is content.

Build a fort

A lot of autistic children find comfort in having their own space, a little hideaway just for them.

There are various ways in which you can provide this at home.

On Amazon there are fort kits which is one option. These are self building, clip together contraptions.

Alternatively you could use cushions and blankets to make a homemade version. These can be equally fun, if not quite so secure at the end of the build.

Cook together

Following a similar vein to the messy play, a lot of autistic children like to help their parents cook.

We would never suggest doing anything too elaborate but something like a Victoria Sponge together is more than achievable.

The same applies in that an apron and an appropriate preparation area is advisable.

Cooking together can be another way to help your child widen their range of foods they will eat.

You could expand on the idea by having your child ‘help’ you purchase the ingredients and foods from a supermarket.

Allowing them to have some control and be part of the process can break down barriers to new foods.

Mini disco

Having a mini disco at home is a cheap and enjoyable activity, depending on your child’s sensory needs.

Light displays are widely available and just plug in at home. If you turn off the lights and put on some music your child may be fascinated by the show.

Ideas for out of the home

If like most parents you would have tried the majority of activities outside of your home. We therefore won’t suggest the cliche ideas like going to the park and alike.

Here are some slightly different suggestions which may suit your child’s preferences;

Take someone’s dog for a walk

Obviously if you have your own dog already then this is not really for you.

However if you don’t already have one of our four legged friends then you could see if a neighbour or family member will lend you theirs.

Dogs and pets in general have been shown to help many autistic children across the world.

So exposing your child to a friendly dog on a walk may be enjoyable and relaxing to them.

Take bark rubbings of trees

As we all know, a large number of children with autism have sensory needs. For some the feeling of rubbing a crayon on paper to take an impression of bark can be enjoyable.

You can try finding different trees together and even tick them off a list to keep track of progress.

Go on a bug hunt

A lot of children have a fascination with bugs and creepy crawlies. Expanding on this you could arm your child with a magnifying glass and go on the hunt.

Similar to the bark rubbing you could print off or make a list of common insects you might find.

Then it is up to your intrepid explorer to see how many he or she can find.

Feed the birds

Linking in with nature exploration, a therapeutic excursion can be feeding birds.

If you choose to go to a river or lake there is the obvious safety warning of ensuring your child can’t fall in.

But with some old bread crusts or seeds spending some time feeding birds can be very enjoyable.

Dipping their hand into a bag of seeds for example can provide sensory stimulation also.

Summary – Fun autism ideas for parents

Whatever activities you choose, it’s essential to tailor activities to your child’s unique preferences and sensory needs.

The key is to provide a supportive and engaging environment that allows them to explore their interests.

You can also help them develop valuable self help skills.

By incorporating these fun ideas into your daily routine, you can help your autistic child thrive and enjoy their time to the fullest.