Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of developmental conditions that affect how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. Ordinary childhood activities can be challenging if your little one has mild or severe symptoms. Working around sensory issues, a preference for repetition and routine, and communication challenges are sometimes tricky.
That’s why many families avoid trying new things with their autistic children, but it’s not a reason to give up. It’s an opportunity to form a stronger bond.
For kids with ASD, art and crafts activities can be an effective way to improve your child’s attention span and reduce anxiety related to stress. Hobbies provide numerous benefits because they learn to express themselves and help them process the world around them better over time.
In this article, look at the fun, sensory activities your child with autism will surely enjoy.
The Difference Between Interests and Hobbies
There’s a difference between interests and hobbies for children with autism. You can think of interests as a really intense hobby. These special interests can become an obsession or an addiction, while hobbies are rarely so fierce.
Children with autism want to know everything about their special interest. That’s why they go all in and become deeply invested in the interest. Regarding hobbies, things rarely go this intensely. You don’t want to know everything about that topic but want to participate in doing that activity.
Five characteristics differentiate the two:
- The topic or subject matter
- Their purpose
- The degree of intensity
- The amount of time devoted to it
- How they are approached
How to Choose the Right Activity
It’s important to choose an activity that is comfortable and interesting to your autistic child. If you’re unsure how to find an activity right for your child, start by observing your child’s play and ask questions. Think about what your autistic child enjoys and how they choose to share interests with you.
Furthermore, try joining your child’s activity rather than leaping in with your own ideas. Follow your child’s lead. It’s easy to overlook this aspect when many of us have been taught that there’s a “right” and “wrong” way to play.
Think about ways to expand your little one’s interest. Take it one step at a time. Your child might not love the activity right away, so start slow. In the end, it’s important to have fun. The whole point of these activities is to enjoy them together and build connections. If the situation makes you both stressed, take some time to back off.
Where Can You Start Finding Hobbies?
It’s simple: exposure! It’s important to provide your child with a range of opportunities so they can explore multiple recreational activities. This way, your child will have plenty of opportunities to master new life skills. Your child will likely practice social skills, increase feelings of motivation, and improve physical aptitude. As a result, your child will be more self-confident and happier.
What If the Situation Goes Bad?
No matter how much you want the activity to work, sometimes it won’t. You might encounter uncomfortable situations that you cannot change. It’s essential to plan and be prepared with plan B.
You can also receive support from other parents of autistic children, who go through similar experiences. It can be incredibly helpful since you can offer each other suggestions about what has worked for bad situations.
Hobbies Children with Autism Can Enjoy
There are many popular activities your autistic child can enjoy. Finding the right hobby requires trial and error since children have different interests. It’s essential to be patient and not lose hope.
Video Gaming
Video gaming is a hobby that is very popular nowadays among people of all ages. Your little one might enjoy playing Lego Star Wars or Minecraft alone, but you can also join them in many fun multiplayer games. Don’t assume you’re not wanted or that games are too hard for you; take the time to learn the ropes and get involved in the hobby.
The video game market is projected to grow to $300 billion by 2025, so there is no shortage of content creators and gamers. Many streaming platforms offer game lovers an audience that can be monetized. So, if your child loves to play video games, they can earn a living with it.
Benefits of video games include:
- Enhanced memory
- Boosted brain speed
- Improved social life through online gaming
- Improved coordination
- Developed problem-solving skills
Discover more: Are Video Games Good for Children with Autism?
Collecting
Autistic people can fixate and obsess over unusual things, such as bobbleheads, stamps, or Pokemon cards. Sometimes, parents might find it frustrating or unhealthy, but it’s a great source of relief.
In addition, collections can help your child learn organizational skills, as well as value their objects. It also helps them connect with like-minded people and practice their social skills.
Train Spotting
Many children with autism love trains, and while it’s an interest that disappears over time, getting to see various trains and taking pictures is highly engaging. In addition, it also teaches patience.
Multiple online sites are dedicated to telling you about exciting locomotives—plus, it’s a low-cost hobby. You can also explore train museums or watch train-related videos. You can also build train models or read train-related books.
Coding
Coding is the process of creating digital constructions. This can translate through a simple online cloak or working on a more complex 3D model. It’s a useful and engaging hobby that is essential in this digital age.
People with autism express themselves through coding and explore creativity in a non-verbal environment. While it’s easy to pick up, it’s difficult to master. However, there are many resources available online that can help your child become a master.
Cooking
Cooking is a fantastic group activity that your child will surely enjoy. Creating wonderful and delicious meals can be taught by following an online recipe. So, there’s not much conversation involved.
Read How to Help People with Autism Cook Easier.
In addition, cooking is great for people with autism because most meals come with highly detailed recipes that provide little room for uncertainty and reward literal thinkers who stick to the steps.
Here are some items you might need:
Music
Autistic people can carve a niche for themselves in the rhythm of music or trivia that surrounds the music industry. Your child can also pick up an instrument, such as the beginner-friendly ukulele, or become a certified audiophile.
There are also several websites dedicated to selling sensory-friendly instruments, like percussion instruments. See what your child likes and pick the right one—there is no limit.
Lego
Legos are a bunch of building blocks that can turn into artistic creations up to your child’s imagination. If your child is a Lego fan, your options are endless. With Legos, you can create your own cities or follow blueprints and diagrams. If your child is ok with crowds, you can go to Lego conventions and join clubs.
Art
People with autism struggle to express themselves; that’s why art is a creative outlet to express thoughts and emotions. Art is often used in therapy to make children show their emotions in a non-verbal way.
Here are some items you can use:
On the other hand, if your child is good at expressing themselves through words, you can try poetry. It’s a great way to communicate your thoughts and feelings and allows people with autism to better understand their world.
Poems don’t need to rhyme or have any sense; poems should act as a way to release all the build-up thoughts.
Swimming
Swimming is a repetitive activity that exercises every muscle. It’s a highly physical activity that provides children with ASD a break from the world. Staying in the pool offers a way to process thoughts and improve overall wellness.
Here are some toys you can try in the pool:
Hiking
Hiking is ideal for people with ASD because it helps them exercise while exploring their beautiful surroundings. Hiking gives them a goal they can accomplish at their own pace—it also gives them a sense of freedom without feeling stressed and worried.