Autistic children ...games?

Question

what kind of games can an autistic child manage in a playground .. need some ideas .. thanks

Answer 1

Hi MaryAnn,  that is a great question.  It is a scary question too....see some kids with Autism have either mild (high functioning) or severe disorder and so it varies on just how much the parks playgrounds are for safety.  Most playgrounds are made of steel so I recommend wearing a helmet or just make sure that you are very close to the child and do not take you eye's off for a moment.  My son loves the playground and I just keep a steady eye on him.  Some things do upset me but I can let him explore...it is best to let them help themselves at times....depending on the severity.  Hope this helps and good luck!  :D

Also, they love to make things go around in circles, let them use hula hoops in many ways to help with their sensory issues.  Try and have them roll on the ground too, and make a game like, let's play roll the dough to make pizza, if they will.

Answer 2

Kids with autism, depending on their level of involvement, can play most games that do not require high levels of physical coordination. Your answerer's have given some very good suggestions.

What is also important to understand is that every play skill will have to be taught, whether it is rolling a ball back and forth or sharing a toy with another child. They don't pick up skills by observing them.

Consider taking the child to a quiet place to teach the skill that you will be working on. This allows the child to concentrate better than trying to teach on the playground. Once the skill is somewhat established, then coach it on the playground.

Answer 3

Hi MarryAnn, thing is with autism (I had an uncle that was autistic) every person varies in what they can do.

However, I see by looking on Google that there are lots of websites offering you help.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=...

Answer 4

It completely depends on the person, but hide and go seek can be fun. Some people like to sing, others like puzzle type games. It depends on the person.

Answer 5

It all depends on where on the autistic spectrum this child is. My own child has aspergers syndrome and in the playground she likes to be left alone in a corner with her Nintendo DS. No one is allowed to talk to her or interrupt her. All children with autism are different, whats right for some will not be right for others.

Answer 6

Autistic or on the autism spectrum?  Aspies can be integrated into most games, as long as they have clear-cut rules.  Autistic children  would probably enjoy tag or the swings or even kickball.  Anything where the level of interaction with others is their own choice rather than forced upon them (duck, duck, goose would probably be a nightmare.)

Answer 7

it depends on many issues.  On a playground, I would not reccomend hide and seek.  Many kids on the spectrum will take off if they are not closely supervised.  Also, many autistic kids love small places and will disappear.  This is a behavior that many teachers and families try to discourage unless it is in a controlled envorment as it can lead to safety issues.

In such an open space, you can go one of two ways. First you can do simply group games..duck, duck goose is a good example.  This game works on social and communication skills as well as being fun.  Playing with a parachute with a ball on it can be fun as well, although some kids may not like the noise or the flapping motion so close to thier face.  Basic soccer skills can be used, but rather than play as teams, set up simple goals and obstacles to work through..between the cones, under the slide, around the fountain and back to the beginning.

The other option is to plan activities over games.  Sidewalk chalk is a great way to get the kids in a controlled area and together.  Have them all work on a large mural.  Bubbles are wonderful..many speech therapists use them for help in letter formation and breath control.  Jump ropes will encourage physical co-ordination.

My suggestion would be to have one game and a few of these individual activities available.  Some children may not want to play the organized game or may find it overwhelming.  If you are on the playground for recess, giving them options rather than making them all follow the same activity will be a wonderful stress reliever.  I know during recess, my son needs to be able to move but also enjoys the time to be "away" from others to decompress before going back to class.