Spring Break Fun for Families with Children with Autism
Spring break is a wonderful time for families to bond, relax, and engage in activities that are both fun and supportive of children with autism. Creating an enjoyable and stress-free break requires a bit of planning and flexibility, but the rewards are immense. Here are some spring break activities designed to cater to the unique needs and strengths of children with autism, ensuring a memorable and enriching time for the whole family.
1. Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts
Nature has a calming effect on many children with autism. Plan a nature walk in a local park or nature reserve, focusing on areas that aren’t too crowded. To add an element of excitement, create a simple scavenger hunt with pictures or words depending on your child’s communication skills. Items to find can include a specific type of leaf, a bird, a rock, etc. This activity encourages exploration and sensory experiences in a controlled manner.
2. Sensory Play Gardens
Spring is the perfect time to engage in gardening activities that stimulate the senses. Together with your child, you can create a small sensory garden featuring plants with various textures, colors, and scents. Mint, lavender, and fuzzy lambs’ ear are great choices. Gardening offers tactile stimulation and can be incredibly soothing, as well as a great way to teach responsibility and care for living things.
3. Themed Craft Days
Choose themes that interest your child and plan crafts around those themes. Whether it’s space, dinosaurs, or the ocean, you can find numerous craft ideas online that align with your child’s interests and sensory preferences. Crafts can be a wonderful way to work on fine motor skills, follow instructions, and use creativity in a structured way.
4. Indoor Sensory Play Areas
For days when outdoor activities aren’t possible, you can create an indoor sensory play area. Use items like bean bags, play tunnels, and sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or water beads. You can also include a craft station and a quiet corner with pillows and books for downtime. This setup allows your child to choose activities based on their mood and needs.
5. Library Story Time or Quiet Hours
Many libraries offer story times or quiet hours that can be suitable for children with autism. These sessions often cater to children who benefit from a more subdued environment. Check with your local library for any special events or resources they may offer during spring break.
6. Cooking Together
Choose simple recipes to make together, like no-bake cookies, sandwiches, or fruit salads. Cooking is a multi-sensory activity that can help children with autism engage with textures, tastes, and smells in a fun and educational way. It’s also a great opportunity to practice following steps and working on life skills.
7. Visit to Special Needs-Friendly Attractions
Look for attractions or events in your area that offer special accommodations for children with autism, such as sensory-friendly hours at museums, aquariums, or indoor play areas. These venues are often less crowded and more understanding of children’s diverse needs, making them an excellent choice for a family outing.
Planning spring break activities for children with autism involves considering their sensory preferences, interests, and needs while also aiming to incorporate educational and therapeutic elements. With a little creativity and planning, you can ensure a spring break that’s both enjoyable and enriching for your child and the whole family. Remember, the goal is to create positive experiences and memories together, embracing the joys of discovery and learning at your child’s pace.
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About the Authors
Apara Autism Centers is a leading provider of ABA therapy in Texas to children ages 18 months and up. We understand the difficulty of dealing with uncertainty and are prepared to assist you with our collaborative developmental therapy support. If you’re looking for ABA therapy near you, we have centers in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. Apara Autism Centers employs a team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) that can assist you with resources to help comfort your child during stressful times. We include parent training as collaborative support for the whole family. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to call (844) 810-2344 or contact us at info@aparaautism.com with your questions or to enroll. We accept most insurance plans and offer full and part time programs as well as in-home therapy options with no waitlist. AND for those in the San Antonio area, Apara San Antonio is now accepting TRICARE!
