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Summer Play for Children with Autism: Encouraging Meaningful Fun Through Movement and Creativity

May 15, 2025

Written by Taylor Thompson, BCBA

Every child interacts with and experiences the world differently. For many children diagnosed with autism, their play and exploration can include unique behaviors that are automatically reinforcing. This means that they will engage in the activity solely because it feels good to them. This might look like watching lights flicker through the branches, spinning in the wind, humming, or exploring their environment through excessive touch. While these behaviors are not inherently concerning, they can sometimes limit a child’s engagement with their environment or their ability to build friendships through appropriate play.

Fortunately, summer is the perfect time to explore new opportunities that encourage positive play interactions, especially through physical activity and an enriched environment. Both of which research has shown can help reduce repetitive behaviors and support the development of social and motor skills​​​.

Tips for Promoting Positive Play This Summer

  • Enroll in Swim Classes
    Aquatic activities have been shown to improve both motor coordination and balance stereotypic behaviors, all while being fun and calming. Many children with autism benefit from the sensory input water provides​.
  • Explore Art Activities
    Art promotes fine motor development and self-expression. Try painting with sponges, using scented markers, or sculpting with kinetic sand—especially items that match your child’s sensory preferences.
  • Join a Physical Activity Group or Sports Team
    Sports like soccer, basketball, or even martial arts not only provide exercise but help improve social interaction, imitation skills, and structured rule-following​. Adapted sports programs are especially beneficial and occasionally available locally.
  • Dance at Home or in Groups
    Dancing to music can be both regulating and a great outlet for social bonding. Mirror games (you do a move, they copy) are a great way to introduce turn-taking and imitation.
  • Play with Bubbles or Balloons
    These simple tools are fantastic for promoting shared attention, requesting, and joint engagement. Bubble wands or balloon play can turn into fun and functional playtime.
  • Try Riding a Scooter or Bike
    Activities that challenge balance and coordination support motor skills and provide an outlet for movement that may balance stereotypic behaviors​.
  • Look for Animal-Assisted Programs
    Horseback riding (therapeutic or recreational) and other animal-assisted activities are associated with increases in communication and motor planning​.

Keep in Mind

  • Children may need prompting and modeling at first to engage with new types of play.
  • Focus on enjoyment and participation, not performance of the skill.
  • Look for natural environment reinforcement. These are activities that your child wants to return to because they’re fun!
  • Partner with your child’s therapy team to individualize suggestions based on what they have observed that motivates your child.

By integrating fun, structured, and meaningful activities into the summer, you’re helping your child develop skills that extend far beyond play. You’re also opening the door to joyful experiences that can improve well-being, connection, and confidence.

Here’s to a summer filled with fun, laughter, and lots of positive play!

References:

Goldman, K. J., DeLeon, I. G., Schieber, E., Weinsztok, S. C., & Nicolini, G. (2021). Increasing physical activity and analyzing parametrically the effects on stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorder. Behavioral Interventions, 36(4), 867–891. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1812

Gover, H. C., Fahmie, T. A., & McKeown, C. A. (2018). A review of environmental enrichment as treatment for problem behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 52(1), 299–314. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.508

Grosprêtre, S., Ruffino, C., Derguy, C., & Gueugneau, N. (2024). Sport and autism: What do we know so far? A review. Sports Medicine – Open, 10(107). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-024-00765-x

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