Some children with autism spectrum disorders have delayed development in the areas of fine and gross motor skills. Their movements may be awkward, and they may be fearful of moving, especially in a group. Movement is an important skill for all children, and autistic children can learn to master the movement skills as they will need them to function independently.
Obstacle Course
For a child who struggles with basic motor skills such as walking, running, and jumping, simply moving through a room can feel like a challenge. To help that child practice, set up an obstacle course. Use cones to plot out a path between obstacles and guide the child to walk, skip, jump, or run around pillows or cushions. Place a preferred movement or sensory activity, such as a trampoline or a wading pool filled with balloons, at the end of the course as an inducement to finish the course.
Dance Studio
Create a clear space, turn on some music and encourage the child to move in any way he would like. There is no correct way to do this activity, as long as the child moves in some way. Provide musical instruments such as drums or rattles, and ribbon wands, play silks, and other objects to encourage the child to get up and move to the music.
Bean bag games
Throwing a ball at a target is a complex skill for neurotypical children, and those with autism spectrum disorders may need extra practice. Begin by encouraging the child to throw a bean bag into a wading pool, using both overhand and underhand motions. When they have mastered this skill, have the child move further away from the pool. When she can throw the bean bag into the pool from a distance of 5 to 10 feet, replace the wading pool with a smaller target such as a clean garbage can. Continue to decrease the size of the target until the child can throw the bean bag into a bucket or large mixing bowl approximately 18 inches in diameter.
Yoga
Stretching can help children with autism spectrum disorders become more aware of their bodies and increase their range of motion. Simple yoga poses can also help these children increase their ability to focus on a task. There are many good books and videos of yoga practices for children.
Cooperative Games
Cooperation can be very difficult for children with autism spectrum disorders, and games can help those children practice social skills, as well as gain confidence in their movement abilities. Begin with simple cooperative activities. Ask two children to work together to hold up a beach ball without using their hands. First, ask them to brainstorm how they might accomplish this task---perhaps by holding the ball back-to-back, or by sitting down and using their feet to hold the ball up. Encourage both children to offer ideas and opinions on the proposed strategies. When they have agreed upon a strategy, encourage them to try it out, and see if they can hold up the ball.
