Keeping kids engaged at home can be challenging, especially for children with autism. At-home activities help children build important skills while having fun. With the right approach, these activities can be a great way to encourage learning, creativity, and social interaction.
Let’s explore some simple and fun at-home activities for kids with autism that you can easily try today.
Sensory Play: A Fun At-Home Activity for Kids with Autism
Sensory play is an effective way to engage kids with autism. It helps them explore textures, sounds and smells while improving focus and calming anxiety. One easy activity is a sensory bin.
How to create a sensory bin:
- Find a large plastic container.
- Fill it with rice, beans, or sand.
- Add small toys or objects like spoons, cups, or rubber animals.
- Let your child dig, scoop, and pour the contents.
This simple activity provides hours of fun while helping your child develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
Building Routines with At-Home Activities for Kids with Autism
Children with autism often thrive on routine. Turning everyday tasks into fun activities can help build structure while teaching valuable skills. A daily schedule of at-home activities can include:
- Morning stretches or exercises: Start the day with simple stretches or jumping jacks.
- Meal prep together: Let your child help wash fruits or spread peanut butter on bread.
- Storytime before bed: Reading a book together every night helps create a comforting routine.
These daily activities teach independence and provide predictability, which can ease anxiety.
Art Projects: Creative At-Home Activities for Kids with Autism
Art projects are great for kids with autism because they encourage creativity and self-expression. One easy project is painting with sponges.
What you’ll need:
- Paint (safe, non-toxic)
- Sponges cut into different shapes
- Paper
How to do it:
- Dip the sponges into the paint.
- Press the sponges onto the paper to create patterns or shapes.
- Let your child explore different colors and textures.
This is a simple and fun way to help your child work on fine motor skills while expressing themselves artistically.
Interactive Games: Engaging At-Home Activities for Kids with Autism
Interactive games can help kids with autism develop social and communication skills. A great option is a matching game with household objects.
How to set up a matching game:
- Gather pairs of objects like socks, spoons, or toy cars.
- Mix them up in a pile.
- Ask your child to find the matching pairs.
This game helps with cognitive skills and attention to detail and can even become a family activity where siblings join in to increase social interaction.
Movement-Based At-Home Activities for Kids with Autism
Physical activity is important for all kids, including those with autism. Simple exercises can help with coordination and balance. One fun idea is a DIY obstacle course.
How to set up an obstacle course:
- Use pillows, chairs, or boxes to create a path.
- Ask your child to jump over pillows, crawl under chairs, or walk around obstacles.
- Cheer them on as they complete the course.
This activity can burn off energy, improve motor skills, and build confidence as they complete the challenge.
How Circle City ABA Can Help
If you’re looking for more personalized support, Circle City ABA offers tailored programs to meet your child’s unique needs. Our therapists provide both in-home and center-based ABA therapy, and we’re here to help guide you through every step.
Contact our admissions team for more information on our services and how we can support you and your child. Find a location near you! We serve Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. We’re ready to help your child grow and succeed with fun and effective activities designed just for them.
