How Can You Choose The Right Hobby for Children with Autism?
- HEALIS AUTISM CENTRE
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Choosing a hobby for any child and figuring out what they like is a challenge and we do everything we can to expose them more and putting them for activities that we think they might like but how do we really know if they truly enjoy the activity. Many parents or caregivers make the mistake of assuming that their child enjoys a certain activity or even a hobby as we make them do activities which we think they might like by thinking for them and not allowing for them to choose on their own or rather some of us are too occupied to sit down and find out their hobbies or what they like.
In this case, when it comes to children with autism, we have to find the time and patience to actually watch what they play with continuously or what they like to collect or even if they are paying particular attention to a certain item or toy. We can broaden their exposure or even expand their interest in that particular toy or item. Many parents might think their child does not understand or even speak but that isn’t required for most of these activities.
Lego
If your child with autism loves their Lego, you’ll be able to do a lot of things. For example, if your child likes to play with Lego, you may go to Lego conventions, Lego art shows, join clubs where they can compete with others and many more and the options are endless.
Swimming
Swimming is fun for just anybody whether you play in the pool in your backyard, the sea or even just under the sprinkler. If your child loves to play in the water or with water, you may consider taking them to the swimming pools more often and slowly allowing them to join teams to compete which would also allow them to be more confident in themselves as it is an activity that they like.
Hiking and Walking
Children with autism are rarely good at sports but if your child happens to be and has a lot of energy and stamina which most of them do, you may consider going hiking up a mountain or even just walking along a street. It would also allow them to exercise and build on their strength. You may do it anytime of the day whichever your child prefers and with that you could bring your camera and binoculars to do star gazing or even capture the scenery around you might find that it might interest them and that would be another enjoyable activity or hobby for them.
Making
Children with autism are usually very good at taking apart items and fixing them which ranges from alarm clocks to small engines. This is an exceptional skill, and it is within the “maker” community.
This community involves members creating, making items and sharing devices that involve everything from lifting and moving to teaching and learning. Your child might only be a beginner or just starting out but his or her skills are a great way to get started and going.
Puzzle Solving
Many children with autism even those who are non-verbal love puzzles or even enjoy them. This is indeed popular and can be seen among many children. This hobby can be done and shared with friends, family or even doing on their own and it can be done anywhere as well. You could even slowly raise the difficulty level or even change the puzzle once it is completed.
Animal Care
Not all children with autism love animals but there are some who do and they are really interested. You could take them to farms, zoos, foster animals, horseback riding or even volunteering at the SPCA or any other adoption or rescue for animals’ centre. The exposure and experience they will get will be a fulfilling one.
Every child has an interest and only if we pay close attention then we will be able to figure it out and it would make things a lot more fulfilling for both the parent and child.
Written by Jasvinder.
References
Rudy, L. J. (2021, October 5). 10 activities to enjoy with your autistic child. Verywell Health. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/hobbies-activities-autistic-child-260365.