As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning some festive fun. But let’s be real—holidays aren’t always the easiest for our little ones with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and family activities. However, for families with autistic kids, holiday fun can be difficult to find. It can be difficult to find activities that are both enjoyable and inclusive for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or sensory processing disorders. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to inclusive holiday activities for autistic kids. From sensory-friendly crafts to special holiday events, these activities will help unlock the joy of the season for children with autism. Our family is a little bit different because our kids have different sensory needs. It can be challenging to find fun activities that are inclusive without feeling like I’m navigating a holiday maze. However, it’s entirely possible to create a magical season that respects everyone’s unique needs while still keeping the holiday spirit alive and well.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder is crucial when planning inclusive holiday activities for autistic kids. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning each child with autism is unique in their challenges and strengths. Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination can also be improved through fun activities like arts and crafts or playing board games. These activities not only enhance physical coordination but also promote language skills, turn-taking, and social interaction.
For children with ASD, the holidays can be overwhelming due to the sensory input, changes in routine, and social expectations. Understanding the specific needs of autistic children can help in selecting activities that are enjoyable and beneficial for them.
It is important to remember that each child with autism has their own unique set of strengths and challenges. When planning inclusive holiday activities, consider the individual needs and preferences of the child. By understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and tailoring activities to their specific needs, you can provide a fun and meaningful holiday experience for autistic kids.
Why Inclusivity Matters
Inclusivity is about making sure everyone feels welcome, valued, and seen. And trust me, kids pick up on this more than we realize. Including our autistic kiddos in holiday activities doesn’t just make them feel loved; it enriches the entire family’s experience. Inclusive holiday activities also cater to the special needs of autistic children, creating a safe and supportive environment for them to explore and enjoy.
Many of these activities are designed to provide sensory information in a controlled manner. This can help autistic children regulate their sensory systems, whether they seek sensory input or are sensitive to certain stimuli. Engaging in sensory activities, such as sensory bins or sensory play, can provide a calming and enjoyable experience for children with autism.
Ideas for Sensory-Friendly Activities for Autistic Kids
Sensory-friendly activities are a great way to engage autistic people during the holiday season. These activities provide opportunities for them to explore their senses and regulate their sensory systems in a fun and enjoyable way. Here are some ideas for sensory-friendly activities that you can try with your autistic child this holiday season.
Sensory-Friendly Decorating
Create sensory-friendly ornaments by using materials that provide tactile and visual sensory information. For example, your child can make ornaments by gluing on different textured fabrics, adding glitter or sequins, or using acrylic paints to create raised designs. These ornaments not only look beautiful on the tree but are a great opportunity to provide sensory stimulation when touched or observed.
Sensory-Friendly Holiday Baking
Kids love messing around with dough, right? Imagine making gingerbread cookies but with a twist—use food colors to make it more engaging and tactile. And who doesn’t love the cozy aroma of baked goods wafting through the house during the holidays? This is my kid’s favorite activity. But let’s talk turkey—or cookies, rather. Baking is a sensory experience, from the feel of the dough to the sound of the mixer, and not all sensory experiences are a hit with every kiddo. However, in our house, it’s a fun way to make new holiday traditions and get the kids in on the fun.
DIY Holiday Sensory Bins
Create a sensory bin filled with materials that appeal to your child’s senses. You can use holiday-themed items like bells, ribbons, and pine cones. Add various textures, colors, and objects for them to explore. This physical activity provides tactile and visual sensory input, helping to stimulate their senses and promote calmness. Let your child explore different textures while staying in a controlled environment.
Sensory Bottles
Make a sensory bottle by filling clear plastic bottles with water and different objects such as glitter, beads, or small toys. When shaken, these bottles create a mesmerizing visual display and provide auditory input. Young children can spend hours observing and exploring the sensory information within the bottle. Sensory bottles are an excellent way to help regulate their sensory systems and provide a sense of calm.
Movie Night with a Twist
How about a holiday movie night, but with subtitles or even muted, relying on the visuals and expressions to tell the story? You can even let them get involved by picking the movie and helping to make the snacks. Make a holiday snack board and hot chocolate for the win! After the movie, talk about what they liked or didn’t like. This not only validates their feelings but gives you insights for the next movie night.
Sensory Walks
Ready to swap video games for some green time this holiday season? Picture this: You and your kiddo, bundled up in cozy scarves and mittens, heading out for a magical sensory walk either through nature’s wonderland or around your neighborhood. Feel the crunch of leaves underfoot, explore the rough touch of tree bark, and grasp the cool smoothness of river stones. Listen closely to the birds singing their holiday tunes or the whimsical rustle of leaves playing backup. This fun activity not only dazzles the senses, but it can also be incredibly grounding and calming for your child. While you’re out there, why not collect some pinecones, leaves, or twigs? They’ll make for the perfect nature collage to extend the fun once you’re back indoors. What better way to get in some physical fitness and quality time?
Scavenger Hunt
Get ready for a holiday adventure right in your own backyard or at your local park with a festive scavenger hunt! Imagine the excitement on your little one’s face as they set off with a list of holiday-themed clues and treasures to uncover. From sniffing out cinnamon-scented wonders to spotting a trio of twinkling holiday ornaments, each clue can be a mini celebration. And let’s not forget the brain-teasers like, “I’m stuffed with fluff and bring good cheer, where am I?” This isn’t just holiday fun; it’s a full-on skills workout! We’re talking problem-solving mastery, boosting those gross motor skills, and soaking in all sorts of sensory delights from the great outdoors. So, grab a pen, and a piece of paper to jot down those clues!
Sensory Play
Set up a sensory play area with materials that engage different senses. You can include items like play dough, slime, or kinetic sand that provide tactile input. Incorporate scented materials or essential oils to stimulate their olfactory senses. You can also include calming music or white noise to create a soothing auditory environment.
Idea: Rice and Jingle Bells
Color some rice with green and red food coloring and let it dry. Then mix it with some jingle bells in a container. It’s like a holiday-themed sandbox.
Collage Making
Encourage your child to create a holiday faces collage using various materials like paper, fabric, buttons, or beads. All you need is photos of family members or holiday characters, assorted fabric, yarn, and other textured materials. Googly eyes are optional. This activity allows them to experiment with different textures and colors while developing their fine motor skills.
Painting with Different Tools
Make snowflake prints with white paint, Dark-colored paper, Q-tips, or small paintbrushes. Using a Q-tip or a small brush, kids can create beautiful snowflakes on dark paper. The white-on-dark contrast is mesmerizing! Add some glitter while the paint is still wet to make those snowflakes sparkle. Instead of using traditional brushes, try using alternative painting tools like sponges, cotton swabs, or even toy cars. These different tools can provide unique sensory experiences and allow your child to experiment with different painting techniques.
Holiday Cookie Cutouts with Playdough
Playing with playdough is not only a fun and engaging activity but also a great way to improve fine motor skills. Get some play dough in various colors and holiday-themed cookie cutters. Roll out the play dough and use cookie cutters to create holiday shapes like stars, bells, and snowflakes. Encourage your child to press and roll the play dough, as the rolling action can be soothing for some kids. You can provide additional sensory input by adding scented materials or incorporating different textures like sand or rice into the playdough.
Build a Snowman or Sandman
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, building a snowman is always a hit. For those in warmer climates, like us in Arizona, you might have to improvise! All you need is some sand or playdough. Adding accessories can help with fine motor skills.
Decorate Your Tree
Talk to your kids about the decorating plan. Visual aids or social stories can help set expectations and ease anxiety about new or changing routines. Let your child feel the decorations beforehand, so they become familiar with the textures and shapes. This can make the actual decorating process less overwhelming. Some kids might find the scent of a real tree overpowering, while others might enjoy it. Artificial trees can be less sensory-intense in terms of smell and touch. Opt for soft, plush ornaments as opposed to glass or metal ones. Felt, cloth or even ornaments created in one of the sensory-friendly craft activities can be less jarring to the touch.
Indoor Obstacle Course
Ready for an enjoyable activity to turn your home into a mini Olympic arena? Unleash the adventure with a high-energy holiday obstacle course that’s equal parts fun and fitness! Go all out with holiday decorations. Drape tinsel around the course, use Christmas lights to illuminate the path, or make signs with joyful holiday messages to guide the way. Divide the course into different holiday-themed zones. Think “Santa’s Workshop,” “Snowflake Lane,” and “Reindeer Run.” Set up a limbo bar wrapped like a candy cane. How low can you go without touching it? Hang jingle bells at various heights and ask kids to jump and ring them—without using their hands! It’s not just a fantastic way to burn off that youthful energy—it’s also a masterclass in gross motor skills, body awareness, and coordination. So, get those sneakers laced and those obstacle stations ready; it’s time for some full-throttle, skill-building fun!
Note: If you notice signs of sensory overload, it’s okay to take a break. A quiet corner with some sensory tools like weighted blankets can be a safe retreat.
How can you modify traditional holiday activities to make them more inclusive for autistic children?
To modify traditional holiday activities for autistic children, consider adapting them to be more sensory-friendly and inclusive. For example, using headphones to block out loud noises or providing a quiet space for breaks. Involve the child in the planning process and make sure to accommodate their individual needs and special interests.
Considerations for Choosing Inclusive Holiday Activities
When it comes to choosing inclusive holiday activities for autistic kids, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, the activity should be enjoyable and engaging for the child. Look for activities that align with their interests and preferences. For example, if they enjoy art, consider a craft activity that allows them to express their creativity. If they love being outdoors, look for games or outdoor activities that they can participate in.
Holidays are all about joy, love, and togetherness. So let’s make sure that this festive season, nobody feels left out or overwhelmed. From sensory-friendly decorations to inclusive activities, there are countless ways to make sure everyone has a ball.
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