As a parent of a child with autism is not easy. Your child needs extra care, support and love.
Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Michelangelo, Thomas Edison and many more….. The list of successful people with ASD is endless. Meaning a child even with ASD, has the potential to reach goals and become successful.
As a parent, you need to be positive first. Do not entertain any negative emotions associated with the condition of ASD. Become proactive and help your little ones engage in therapeutic activities that are specifically designed to treat the symptoms of ASD.
Occupational therapy or OT for children with ASD is highly beneficial. See, occupational therapy consists of everyday life activities ( like occupations) to improve motor skills, communication and behavioral skills, sensory processing skills, and also promote health, well-being, and the ability to participate in various tasks.
Home is where your child feels most comfortable. It’s their safe space. When you collaborate with occupational therapists and engage your kid with specific activities or exercises, it helps them resolve their difficulties and lead a prosperous and happy life.
Let’s discover home-based occupational therapy activities
Engaging the Senses
Many children with autism experience the world differently through their senses. Some kids may be extra sensitive to certain sounds or textures, or they may seek out specific sensory experiences.
So below are some activities for sensory processing issues
Sensory Bin – Here you need to encourage your kid to reach out a big container filled with interesting things to touch and explore. You could use:
Dry rice or beans for a crinkly, shifting texture Water beads for a squishy, cool feeling Kinetic sand that feels like wet sand but isn’t messy
Let your child dig their hands in, pour, scoop and play. This activity isn’t just fun – it helps develop touch sensitivity and fine motor skills.
Building Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills, you know, are like small muscles in our hands and fingers. These are necessary for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, using utensils, etc.
Below are activities to improve fine motor skill –
- Playdough Party – Squishing, rolling and shaping playdough is definitely fun for kids. But these activities also strengthen hand muscles.
- Puzzle Solving – You can start with simple puzzles and then gradually increase the difficulty. What puzzles do is help with problem-solving and hand-eye coordination.
Promoting Social and Emotional Skills
Social interactions can be challenging for children with autism. Here are some activities to help develop these skills –
- Social Stories – Create simple picture books about everyday situations, like going to the store or playing with friends. You can use photos or drawings to show what happens and how to respond. Read these stories together regularly to help your child understand social expectations.
- Pretend Play – Set up pretend scenarios at home, like how to order food at a restaurant. Act out different roles with your child. This helps them practice social scripts in a safe, fun way.
Whole Body Moving
Gross motor skills are also important – they are large muscles of the body. Your kids must develop these skills to improve coordination and physical confidence.
Below are the activities –
- Living Room Obstacle – Transform your living room into an adventure zone. Use cushions, chairs and boxes to create a course. Have your child crawl under a heap of chairs, or cross one pillow after another. This improves balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
- Dance Party – Put on some music and move together. Dancing is a great way to practice coordination, follow rhythms and express emotions through movement.
Final Words
These activities should be on the regular regime. You must engage your kid to practice these activities at similar times each day. Also, pay attention to what your child enjoys and build on that. Celebrate the progress of your kid, don’t pressurize the little one.
Well, some days will be easier than others. That’s okay. Be patient.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s occupational therapist for more ideas or guidance.
If you want to talk to a board-certified occupational therapist in Dubai about the condition of your kid, book an appointment now!
We are available 7 days a week. And, our certified and experienced therapists only offer one-of-a-kind therapy tailored to the unique needs of the children.
Visit our official website to know more! Book a consultation to discuss with us.
