With warmer weather right around the corner, the days of outside activities are quickly approaching! Improved weather increases the activity options for you to enjoy with your family. For children with autism, there are various sensory friendly activities that can help your child’s physical and behavioral improvement outside of a clinic setting. Outdoor adventures are also an opportunity to create family memories that will last a lifetime!
Below are some ideas for fun-filled springtime activities that the whole family can enjoy!
Using supplies from around your house such as hula hoops, boxes, jump ropes, etc., you can turn your backyard into an interactive wonderland! An obstacle course can help your child practice their climbing, jumping, running, and even balancing skills. With a little imagination, they can have an afternoon of fun all from the comfort of their own home.
Does your child have some trouble with motor skills? Try bubbles! By dipping the wand into the bubble mix or using their finger to pop the bubbles, your child can practice hand-eye coordination. The action of blowing the bubbles can offer oral motor skill practice too. Plus, who doesn’t love bubbles?!
3. Sidewalk Chalk
Creating chalk art can boost creativity, relieve stress, encourage self-expression, and liven up that boring driveway or sidewalk. Let your child’s imagination soar with colors, shapes, numbers, letters, and drawings! You can even create fun or educational games such as hopscotch, tic tac toe, or name writing.
4. Spring-Themed Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are a great way to engage your child in independent play. These are typically a container filled with different materials and textures that involve items that cater to your child’s likes. A sensory bin is a great opportunity for sensory friendly hands-on play! Opting for a base of beans, rice, sand, water, gelatin, or corn is a great start. For a spring theme, consider using elements such as pebbles, flowers, plastic bugs, butterflies, colored sprinkles, and mini toys. Take these outside, and let your child be as messy as they want!
5. Plant a Garden
Planting a garden is a great way for your child to work on teamwork, sharing, and motor skills. Gardening also introduces new textures, smells, and experiences. Start by having your child pick their favorite flower, veggie, fruit, or plant. Walk them through each individual step of planting. Your child will have loads of fun, and you will also gain some fresh food or beautiful flowers!
6. Picnic
Picnics are the perfect springtime activity. Allow your child to help prepare the picnic. They can pack some favorite snacks or roll out the blanket! If a park environment is too overstimulating, you can also opt for a backyard picnic! After eating, allow your child time to read, run around, play games, or do their favorite activity.
There are always worthwhile sensory friendly activities for every season. Create a comfortable environment where your child can flourish, while still trying new experiences. This challenges them to continue growing their strengths.
At Helping Hands Family, our experienced clinicians create positive and supportive environments, while also introducing new activities to help children grow! To learn more about our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment or to learn about our autism clinics in PA, CT, NJ, and MD contact us today.
