Autism is a condition affecting children that usually manifests itself before the age of 3 and can have a significant effect on child's ability to communicate and carry on personal interaction, according to the Mayo Clinic. Autism affects only about 1/2 of 1 percent of children in the United States, but parents or teachers looking for ways to interact with autistic children may find certain activities more suited to their child, depending on the severity of the autism.
Music
Children with autism often respond well to music, so come up with some fun games and activities revolving around music and songs. Games like Ring-Around-the-Rosie and interactive songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider" are a way for autistic children to have fun and learn interactive skills. Dancing to music can also be a fun way for children with autism to not only express themselves but to exercise. Singing songs with repetitive lyrics can also help autistic children develop listening and pattern skills. Use music to help children communicate, such as playing a song and having the child draw or paint a picture relating to the song. For instance, you could play a song about the ocean and have the child draw a picture of the beach and everything he hears in the song.
Sensory Activities
Children with autism enjoy touching, feeling and participating in most tactile exercises. Finger painting is not only an effective way to help an autistic children express themselves, it's also a way to help them learn different textures and colors and develop their sense of touch. For more mature and developed autistic children, arts and crafts can be a way to use the hands and fingers to accomplish a task. Try putting together a birdhouse with popsicle sticks or making a model airplane.
Interactive Games
Playing with other children and adapting to social situations is an important part of helping children with autism fit in and learn how to be part of a group setting. Common household physical games are one way to accomplish this, such as playing a game of tag or hide-and-seek. These activities balance the child's ability to reason and accomplish a task while at the same time having interaction with other children. Autistic children can sometimes be fearful or hesitant of too much physical interaction with other kids, so pick games where the autistic child can play while still maintaining a comfortable sense of personal space.
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