How to Organize Free Time for Autistic Children

Children with autism typically thrive on a set routine or some type of organization. While it varies depending on the child, most therapy models focus on giving the child a routine that they follow throughout the day. This routine even includes organizing free time for the child. Free time for other children means they pick what they do and what they play with, but autistic children can't always make this choice. Whether you have an autistic child or simply work with autistic children, you must determine how to organize this free time for the child.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Toys

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Instructions

• 1

  Write out the daily routine the child has, including any time spent in school, time spent working with therapists and any activities you arrange. Keep track of the child's life over the course of a week, noting when free time generally occurs and which activities the child seems to enjoy.

• 2

  Pick one area of the home or workspace as a place for free-time activities. Arrange toys and items in the space that the child likes or enjoys. For example, if the child seems to enjoy coloring or building with toy blocks, then place coloring books and crayons or building blocks in the space.

• 3

  Introduce the child to the free play area slowly. When the child receives his next break, take him over to the free play area and show him the items there. Keep taking the child to the space every day at the same time, following your established routine and let him grow accustomed to the free play area.

• 4

  Incorporate other activities and toys into the free time area, giving the child a choice. After seeing the free play area a few times, the child may start moving there on his own, accepting it as part of the established routine. Add a few more toys and activities and show the child how each one works.

• 5

  Work with the child on a regular basis, encouraging the child to play with items he might otherwise ignore. Make yourself part of the experience, by getting down on his level and playing along. Give the child some space, until he grows used to you being there.