What is the best way to entertain a boy with autism for up an hour at time?

Here are some ideas to entertain a boy with autism for up to an hour at a time:

1. Sensory Toys: Provide sensory toys that cater to different senses, such as fidget spinners, stress balls, squishy toys, or textured objects.

2. Tactile Activities: Engage in activities that stimulate the sense of touch, such as playing with kinetic sand, modeling clay, or water beads.

3. Music and Movement: Play music that suits the boy's interests and encourage movement through dancing or playing musical instruments.

4. Sensory Bottles: Create bottles filled with different materials like glitter, oil, water, and beads, allowing the boy to observe the visual changes.

5. Building and Construction: Provide blocks, magnetic tiles, or toy vehicles to build structures and encourage imaginative play.

6. Puzzles and Games: Choose puzzles and board games that match the boy's developmental level and interests, such as matching games, simple puzzles, or cooperative board games.

7. Art and Crafts: Offer materials like crayons, markers, construction paper, or playdough for creative expression.

8. Outdoor Exploration: If possible, spend time outdoors exploring nature, such as going for a walk, playing with balls, or discovering plants.

9. Reading and Storytelling: Read books that interest the boy and encourage participation through interactive storytelling or asking questions.

10. Special Interests: Identify the boy's special interests and incorporate them into activities, such as watching videos or discussing topics related to his interests.

11. Educational Apps and Games: Use educational apps or games on tablets or smartphones that are tailored to the boy's learning needs and interests.

12. Structured Play: Introduce simple structured play activities like following a sequence of actions or building specific objects.

13. Water Play: Engage in water-based activities like playing in a bathtub, sensory water bins, or outdoor water play.

14. Sensory Walks: Take short walks around the neighborhood, focusing on observing sights, sounds, and textures.

15. Role-Playing: Encourage imaginative play by creating scenarios and characters that the boy can interact with.

Remember to observe the boy's preferences and pace, and adapt activities as needed to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience.