Simple Games for Kids With Autism

Language, behavioral, and social deficits plague many children with autism. They are not able to process learning cues as instinctively as other children and often require more literal guidance for even the most basic of social norms. Turning these lessons into simple games can make the learning process far easier and often you will see longer lasting results.

Movement Games

• Any sort of paired or group movement activity is great for students with autism. It encourages communication and social interaction, both of which are difficult concepts for kids with this disorder. Old-fashioned games such as "hide-and-go-seek" are excellent ways to foster communication and help children strategize. "Simon says" is perfect for kids with autism as it incorporates verbal commands with movements. This is especially important for younger kids who may not be as verbally active as their non-autistic peers. A good twist on this game is to have the autistic child give the commands as this forces social interaction and speech practice.

Calling and Answering

• Autistic children often have difficulty achieving common childhood social and behavioral milestones. It can be difficult for a child with autism to learn their name and to recognize that when their name is being spoken their attention should be given to the person who has spoken. Greetings and goodbyes are also hard concepts as most autistic children don't automatically understand that if greeted a response is required. A way to practice these skills is by turning calling and answering into a game, a sort of improvised version of the childhood swimming pool favorite, "Marco Polo." Make sure you and your child are in different areas of your home and then practice giving greetings such as "Good Morning" to which your child should repeat back to you as loud as they can. If they correctly do this they can then guess what room you are in and thereby win the game. Other skills such as name practicing and goodbye can be used in the same manner.

Route Games

• Many children with autism have trouble distinguishing where they are in relation to a specific place, (i.e. they may wander from room to room with no specific purpose.) Other children may be stuck in a certain area playing with the same toys over and over and never being able to move on. Playing a game that gives the child a purpose and a set time for each location is a good way to help combat both of these issues. You can set up multiple play areas for your child at which they must stay and play for a certain length of time. Once they have completed all of the centers you can then reward them for staying on task. A simplified scavenger hunt is also a great way to encourage purpose in their traveling. A simple list of easy-to-find items, that are in plain view in various locations, is a good way to help make them aware of different rooms and their uses. Once they have found all items on their list a prize or simple reward can be given.