Activities for Autistic Kids on US Symbols

Autistic kids are visual. Learning about the United States by studying iconic U.S. symbols can provide an introductory activity on several topics for your autistic child. Capturing your child's interest is always the first step in setting the stage for a successful learning experience.

  1. Age-appropriate Books on Topic

    • Iconic U.S. symbols include the flag, the bald eagle, the White House, the great seal, Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty. Several children's books address those symbols. Check with your library, book store or online for such books. Ensure the book is geared to your child's mental age, and read the book with him at least once a day for a week. By the end of the week, rather than reading the symbol name from the text, pause and allow your child to fill in the auditory blank.

    U.S. Symbols Bingo Games

    • Create nine-square bingo games placing a different symbol on each square. Play for blackout so your child always reviews all symbols. Begin by showing her a card with the symbol on it. Always say the name associated with the symbol. Change game cards frequently to maintain interest. As she masters visual matching, instead of showing the symbol, say the name only. When she consistently recognizes the auditory name and the visual image, she's ready for other learning activities.

    Flash Card Reinforcement Activities

    • Make flash cards with one symbol per card. Write the symbol name on the backside. If your child is non-verbal, provide him with a master sheet with symbol images on one side and printed names on the other. For verbal children, have them call out the name of the symbol image. As they establish a pattern of accurate identification, go on to the more challenging skill of reading the symbol names only. For non-verbal children, have them point to the correct image or written name. When your young one regularly recognizes the symbols, it's time to generalize this skill.

    Generalizing Learning Activities

    • Provide your child with opportunities to show off her expertise in areas other than home. Travel to the library, museums, the historical society, art exhibits, parks or other community sites where U.S. symbols are exhibited. If she has trouble connecting the home-centered learning with community sites, continue to play review games at home while providing her with ongoing outside-of-home identifying options. The ultimate proof that learning has been locked into lock-term memory with your autistic child is when she can identify and share the learning in multiple circumstances.

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