Summer is the perfect time to catch up on some rest, soak in the sun, and let the good times roll. Kids and parents may have to adjust their daily routines, but with some planning, you can make this summer unforgettable. For children with autism, changing their daily habits may be a challenge. But filling in those gaps with fun activities is always a great idea.
To help them become more comfortable with the transition from the school year into vacation, here are four fun summer activities for kids with autism. You can add these activities to their weekly or daily routine for the ultimate break.
Our children are so accustomed to staying inside on their devices. Instead, soak up the sun and take them on a walk around the neighborhood or to the park. While on this walk, you can encourage your child to point out everything they see or ask about their interests. These walks can improve their communication, socialization, and occupational skills.
There are enjoyable ways to incorporate ABA methods into your child’s summer vacation. You can play a few board games for days when the sun is beaming too bright. This is a great summer activity for kids with autism because it can help your child improve their turn-taking abilities, their social skills, and more! Board games can also help cognitive and problem-solving skills too. From Connect Four to Mancala to Go Fish, find card and board games that fit your child’s skill level to help them grow.
Another fun activity for your child this summer is exploring their love of arts and crafts. If your child loves music, painting, writing, singing, or acting, you should further develop their interests. This is an excellent way for your child to express themselves and explore creatively.
Many children with autism struggle with conveying their thoughts and feelings. So, they can tell how they’re feeling through singing, painting, or drawing! Taking an hour a day to get creative is a great way to stimulate their mind and bring out your child’s inner artist.
Is it summer vacation without taking a trip to the pool? Swimming and water play are great activities for children with autism. If your child knows how to swim, encourage them to play in the water. This is a fantastic skill to build on. It can improve their physical development, as well as their fine and gross motor skills. If your child isn’t up for swimming, you can create a sensory tub filled with water toys to help them become comfortable with water play and swimming.
At HANDS Center, we wish our rising stars a happy summer vacation! We encourage our parents to continue investing time in their children this summer and practicing ABA techniques at home. This way, your child will go into the new school year ahead of the game.
If you’re looking for an Autism therapy center in North Carolina , we’re here for you! Contact us for more information on how we can support your child and help them reach their goals.