Play is a significant part of development for preschoolers with autism, offering opportunities to explore, communicate, and build social and cognitive skills. Engaging in purposeful play helps regulate emotions, improve sensory processing, and promote creativity while encouraging connection and self-expression. With structured, fun activities, children with autism can grow in meaningful ways while enjoying a sense of inclusion and engagement.
Things to Consider When Implementing Activities
Designing activities for preschoolers with autism requires careful consideration of their unique needs and preferences. Tailoring activities to their sensory sensitivities, communication styles, and need for clear, visual instructions can enhance engagement and create a positive experience. Structured and predictable environments, free from overwhelming stimuli, help children feel safe and supported during play.
10 Play Activities for Preschoolers with Autism
Engaging preschoolers with autism in play activities fosters growth, learning, and meaningful connections. Below are 10 creative and developmentally supportive activities, categorized for easy implementation, that cater to their unique needs and preferences.
1. Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are simple yet engaging activities that involve filling containers with materials like rice, beans, sand, or water beads. Children can explore these materials with their hands or tools like scoops and cups, which adds an element of fine motor practice. Sensory bins help improve tactile exploration, enhance sensory processing, and boost relaxation. To make the activity more engaging, you can theme the bins with seasonal items or favorite toys.
2. Textured Pathways
Textured pathways involve creating walking paths with materials like soft rugs, bubble wrap, foam mats, or grass mats. Children can walk or crawl along the path, exploring different textures with their feet or hands. This activity helps enhance sensory integration and strengthens motor skills. Labeling the textures with words such as “soft” or “bumpy” can also introduce language development opportunities.
3. Matching Games
Matching games use cards, pictures, or objects for children to pair based on colors, shapes, or themes. These games enhance cognitive skills, improve memory, and develop visual discrimination. Start with simple matches, like pairing identical cards, and gradually increase complexity by adding more options or abstract matches. This activity encourages focus and problem-solving in a fun and interactive way.
4. Puzzles with Visual Aids
Puzzles with bright, simple images or tactile pieces, like wooden shapes, can capture a child’s attention while building problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. These activities can align with the DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder, particularly in supporting challenges with social-emotional reciprocity and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Puzzles provide opportunities for structured play, gradual progression in difficulty, and fostering focused engagement as the child improves. Offering gentle guidance and celebrating small successes boosts the child’s confidence and keeps them motivated.
5. Playdough Sculpting
Playdough sculpting is an open-ended activity that allows children to manipulate colorful dough using their hands or tools like cookie cutters, rollers, or stamps. This activity strengthens hand muscles, enhances creativity, and provides a calming sensory experience. Incorporate themes, such as creating animals or foods, to inspire imaginative play and keep the child engaged.
6. Dress-Up Play
Dress-up play encourages children to take on different roles by using costumes and accessories such as hats, masks, or capes. This imaginative activity supports social-emotional growth, builds creativity, and enhances communication skills. Provide simple scenarios for inspiration, like “being a chef cooking dinner,” and encourage children to act out their roles in their unique way.
7. Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses provide opportunities for children to navigate physical challenges, such as crawling through tunnels, stepping over cones, or balancing on beams. This activity helps develop gross motor skills, coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Adapt the course to the child’s abilities and interests to ensure it remains enjoyable and builds their confidence.
8. Storytime with Props
Storytime with props involves using puppets, stuffed animals, or felt boards to make stories more interactive and engaging. This activity enhances a child’s attention span, comprehension, and communication skills. Encourage the child to use the props to retell the story or act out key scenes, which helps reinforce understanding and boosts creativity.
9. Turn-Taking Games
Turn-taking games such as rolling a ball, stacking blocks, or playing simple board games teach essential social skills like patience and sharing. These activities strengthen cooperation and help children understand social rules. Use visual cues, verbal prompts, or timers to help the child know when it’s their turn, reducing anxiety and encouraging participation.
10. Cooperative Art Projects
Cooperative art therapy projects, such as painting a large mural or creating a group collage, allow children to work together on a shared creative task. These activities promote teamwork, enhance creativity, and encourage social engagement. Highlighting each child’s unique contribution also gives a sense of pride and builds positive social connections.
Incorporating these activities into a child’s routine encourages growth in sensory processing, communication, motor skills, and social interaction. Always tailor activities to individual interests and needs, creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for preschoolers with autism.
Encouraging Engagement and Participation
Encouraging engagement and participation in play activities for preschoolers with autism involves creating a supportive environment, offering flexibility and choice, and using positive reinforcement. A well-structured, sensory-friendly space with consistent routines and visual supports can help reduce stress and make children feel secure. Tailoring the environment to their unique needs lays a foundation for meaningful and enjoyable play experiences.
Lastly, flexibility and choice empower children by enabling them to make decisions and explore their preferences in a way that feels natural and engaging. Offering diverse activity options, customizing materials to suit individual needs, and promoting autonomy builds independence and keeps children motivated. Positive reinforcement, including verbal praise, rewards, and access to favorite activities, strengthens engagement and creates joyful play experiences.
At Strides ABA, our ABA therapist in New Jersey and New York specializes in crafting personalized strategies to enhance participation and developmental growth. Contact us today to learn how we can support your child with compassionate and expert care tailored to their unique journey.
Sources: