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Games for Autistic Kids

Autism is a neurological development disorder that affects approximately three to six children in every 1,000, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Children with autism often suffer from difficulty communicating, impaired social connections and repetitive behavior. It is sometimes difficult to engage children with autism in activities, but there are many games to play with autistic kids to help them learn and grow while having fun.

  1. Masking Tape Game

    • Children with autism often enjoy sensory activities. Consider applying masking tape to the wall to form letters, numbers or shapes. Let your child peel the tape off the wall. He will enjoy touching the sticky tape and the way it feels coming off the wall as well as the sound it makes. You can also cover a small toy with tape and ask your child to guess which toy it is. As she pulls the tape off, continue to ask her if she knows what the toy is.

    "Can We Go?" Game

    • This game teaches autistic children how to understand that a "no" answer does not necessitate a tantrum. An adult asks the child "can we go?" and lets the child respond however she pleases. When the child says "yes," the adult should look very happy and proceed to take one step forward. If the child says "no," the adult should look disappointed, but simply ask the question again. Later, the adult and child can switch roles. The child will enjoy being able to tell the adult "no" and will learn how to accept a "no" answer as well.

    Step Game

    • The step game teaches autistic children how to give and understand directions. Stand on the bottom of a staircase with your child and give the first command. You can mix up the commands to involve your child's favorite activity such as "twirl step," "bark like a dog step," or "high five step." You and your child will perform the command, then go to the next step. Celebrate when you reach the top of the stairs then race down to the bottom and switch roles with your child and let her come up with the commands this time.

    Mirror Game

    • The mirror game helps autistic kids with language development. Begin by imitating everything your child does whether it is scratching his head, taking a drink of water or walking to the other side of the room. As you perform each activity, narrate what you are doing. For example, you might say "now we are scratching our heads" as you mimic your child scratching her head. Your child will enjoy "making" you do things and will learn new words in the process.

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