Autistic Child: Activities and Entertainement?

Question

Hello all,

I have a relative that has been recently diagnosed with autism.

I would appreciate it if you could give me suggestions of:

Socializing activities and/or entertainment

Educational is also great.

Any activities that are a great push for autism; a way to help treat an autistic child throughout the day.

The child is quite difficult too handle, yet not severe. Moves around a lot, and is stubborn because of the autism.

Gender: Male. Age: 2. Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Housetype: Villa with yard

(outdoor activities are difficult in the summer; it reaches 48'C sometimes)

* If it would make a difference to your answer, we would be traveling tomorrow to Europe: Switzerland (3 weeks), Scandinavian Cruise (12 days), London (3 days), and finally, EuroDisney (4 days).

I think Disneyland is a great helper. However, I need suggestions that can aid me in everyday life. Any ideas will do!

Thanks in advance..

Answer 1

For kids with autism, sensory activities are great.Bouncing on a trampoline, swinging on a swing, digging in the sand. Of course, some autistic children do not like certain sensory input, like sand or the tags on thier clothing.

The jury is out on socializing, as a lot of autistic children have no language and do not make any eye contact.

My son was thought to have autism, but it was actually just a sensory disorder. He picked up speech and is now fine.

As a result, we had a lot of training on dealing with autism. If you can, get him a good Occupational Therapist. They are experts with play activities and socializing for Autism.

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=Aigu...

Answer 2

Did your relative ever thought about a dolphin therapy? http://www.planetpuna.com/dolphin-paper-...

It's hard to give you advices, because every child is different and also reacts different.

I personally (but I am not a MD) do not think that travelling around much and getting new impressions on a daily basis will be good for a child diagnosed with Autism.

You know that we have an Autism Center in Dubai, right? Did your relative ever go there and seek for help and advice? The therapists working there know the UAE society, way of living etc and maybe even get you in touch with somebody coming over to the house to work with the boy.

Take care and have a wonderfull vacation! Been in Switzerland last year. It was wonderfull but kind of chilly. Enjoy!

Answer 3

Disney may be harder than you think--that's a lot of sensory stimulation for an autistic child to handle!  As far as everyday life, try as much as possible to get into a routine with him.  Autistic people function much better when they clearly know what is expected of them and what they can expect to come next.  Try to give plenty of warning before things change, and if you're flying, you may want to try to get an extra seat so that he doesn't have to sit too close to anyone--autistic people tend to not like a lot of physical contact.

He will probably play well by himself.  Give him blocks or Leggos--things he can build with, etc, and he'll probably be quite entertained.

Hope I helped a little!

Best of luck!

Answer 4

Bring LOTS of his favorite things.  If this child is like mine, he gets "wild" when he doesn't have his "things."  Disney will make a special name tag so if he does run off, they can find him easily.