
7 games for autistic children
Offering activities for autistic children requires a gentle and personalized approach. Each child is unique, with their own way of learning and having fun. Therefore, it is essential to adapt activities to meet each child's individual needs.
It's always important to remember that autistic children have different developmental paces and possess some skills that are more developed than others. Therefore, each activity should be adjusted to fit the individual style and level of each child.
Below are our play suggestions:
1. Games that encourage communication and social interaction
Look for activities that offer a calm and structured environment for autistic children, such as solving puzzles, building with blocks, or drawing.
These games are designed to help little ones focus, improving problem-solving abilities and expressing their creativity non-verbally.
Furthermore, by participating in these activities, children have the opportunity to practice social skills such as sharing, collaborating, and communicating, contributing to their emotional and social development.
2. Frozen toys
When the heat hits, nothing beats a "cold game" to entertain and cool down. However, parents or guardians should prepare everything in advance.
In a freezer-safe plastic container, pour a little water and add some small toys. Let them freeze for a day or two. Afterwards, remove the entire ice block and invite the child to play!
They will love freeing the small toys by spraying warm water or breaking the ice with toy hammers. This is a sensory and refreshing fun option that autistic children might really enjoy on hot days.
Activities that stimulate the senses are interesting for all children, but especially for those with autism.
3. Shape exploration
Start by filling a container with various grains such as beans, rice, or pasta and adding a variety of small items, such as buttons, bottle caps, beads of different shapes, colors, and sizes.
Then, invite the child to separate these items using tweezers or simply their fingers, as if it were a type of “fishing.” Afterwards, ask them to classify these captured objects according to their characteristics, for example: by type, color, shape, quantity, etc.
This activity stimulates fine motor coordination and also promotes problem-solving skills in a very engaging way.
4. Role-Playing and narrative games
This approach aims to encourage imagination and storytelling through activities such as pretend play, creating stories with dolls, or inventing imaginary worlds.
When participating in these games, autistic children have the opportunity to refine important skills such as creativity, language, and emotional understanding.
These games are fun while also helping the child express their thoughts and emotions in a playful and creative way, contributing to their social and emotional development.
5. Lego Therapy
Inspired by the studies of neuropsychologist Dan Legoff, Lego therapy has proven to be very effective for autistic children.
This is because, through building and assembling pieces, children can develop or improve several skills that deserve special emphasis:
Fine motor coordination: Manipulating Lego pieces helps develop fine motor skills, such as picking up, holding, and fitting pieces together, which can be especially useful for children with difficulties in this area.
Creativity and imagination: Lego offers an infinity of construction possibilities, which stimulates the imagination and creativity of autistic children. They can create objects, scenarios, and stories, exercising their ability to think flexibly and inventively.
Improvement of social skills: Lego therapy is often done in groups, which provides opportunities for autistic children to practice social skills such as collaboration, sharing, and even conflict resolution.
Stimulation of language and communication: Playing with Lego can be a fun way to practice language and communication. Children can describe what they are building, make requests, express preferences, and share ideas during Lego activities.
Concentration and attention: Building with Lego requires focus and attention to detail, which can help autistic children better develop their concentration and attention skills.
6. Repetitive games
Repetitive games are common among children with autism, and this is due to the need for predictability and familiarity in their environment.
The repetition of activities such as aligning objects, stacking blocks, or performing specific actions can offer a sense of comfort and security for the autistic child.
Thus, these activities also play an important role in developing concentration and sensory regulation, allowing the child to find a way to deal with the excess of stimuli around them, helping them to feel calmer and more focused.
7. Free painting
Encourage the child to experiment with different painting techniques, whether with brushes, sponges, or even their own hands and feet.
Use a variety of paints and surfaces for painting, allowing them to feel free to create in the way they prefer, but always with appropriate supervision.
Finger painting is an especially interesting option, providing an enriching and therapeutic sensory experience. This activity stimulates the child's creativity while promoting sensory integration, contributing to the refinement of fine motor skills.
Furthermore, free painting offers the child a way to express their emotions in a different way, allowing them to express themselves through colors and shapes.
Finally, always remember to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where the child can explore, learn, and develop.
Play is an essential part of childhood, and with creativity, patience, and love, we can create meaningful and enriching moments for our autistic children.
May these games not only be moments of fun but also opportunities for growth, connection, and happiness for the whole family.

