How to keep a child with autism happily entertained in public!

Introduction

Many children with autism, especially High-Functioning Autism and Aspergers, can be surprisingly chatty, and often without regard to the appropriateness of the situation. If you are prepared, outings can be controlled and comfortable for everyone. Put together a Bag-of-Tricks to keep your autistic child entertained. You’ll wonder how you lived without it!

By: Lorin Neikirk

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Comments: 4

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Easy

Tips & Warnings:

Use items which have dual purposes, like the shown pens with a game on to it.
Include items which need little maintenance, such as pens which are retractable (no cap to lose), and/or usable pencils that are sharp, and still have a good eraser.
Think creatively, and "outside the box". If you see your child playing with something surprising, encourage that by adding it to the bag for future use.
Action figures and dolls are not likely to be as commanding as other items.
Stay away from items which wind up (and then run away) or make sounds/noise (which encourages repetitive noise-making).
Avoid items which can’t be used independently, such as hangman, tic-tac-toe, or card games, if the goal is to keep him/her quietly entertained.
Don't compare siblings' playing interests if not autistic, too. Just because Johnny loves/loved cars doesn't mean little Billy will!

Step1

A transparent Bag-of-Tricks is captivating to kids! Use a good container. Use a small, durable bag, preferably one that is clear and/or with a carrying handle. Clear, so that the contents are not only known, but enticing!

Step2

Pens with games serve double-duty-- make sure eraser-top pencils are sharpened and ready-to use. Gather your items. Remember that a kiddo with autism isn’t likely to be entertained with the same toys that a “neuro-typical” would be. The idea is to gather items which can be used quietly and independently. Start with writing tools, such as pen, pencil, and a mini-notebook which has contained pages.

Step3

Two-player games are good for keeping siblings entertained. Add engaging activities to retain focus and concentration, such as a small origami book and a pad of post-it notes, puzzles and mazes, and independent games.

Step4

Items like rulers and tape don't necessarily seem fascinating, but are surprisingly captivating to child with autism! Toss in a zipper bag of mixed “building toys”, like clothespins, tokens, cards, neck lanyard, game pieces/parts, dice, etc.

Step5

Don't leave home without a calculator! Add some simple electronics: a small radio with headphones, and a calculator. Your Bag-of-Tricks is ready to go!

Resources

Comments

grandma59 said

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on 8/10/2008 OK, THANKS, I HAVE A SISTER.COOL I WOULD HAVE TO TEACH HER.

Lorin-Neikirk said

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on 7/31/2008 Thank you for the sweet comment-- And you are right, electronics like MP3 players are great ways to temporarily promote the quiet! Lol! Thanks again! -Lorin Neikirk

Caliboo818 said

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on 7/31/2008 Great article
With my son Eric we let him take his Spongebob MP3 player along with is favorite songs, or his protable dvd player to watch is favorite movies