Activities & Games for Kids With Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger̵7;s syndrome is part of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Kids with Asperger̵7;s syndrome, although high functioning ASD, face numerous challenges. Learning to socialize and communicate with family and peers can be exceptionally stressful. They also tend to be easily preoccupied with a single interest or topic. So when selecting activities and games for your child choose ones that keep a delicate balance between fun and interaction without compromising his need to maintain a set schedule and his fear of change.

  1. Games

    • In your portfolio of games you may want to include ones that have a visual aspect to them as well as offer some sort of organizational component or schedule. Games should have consistent outcomes and be able to be taught gradually, if necessary. Games can be played with other kids or individually. Depending on your child̵7;s age, examples would be jigsaw puzzles, Legos or other types of construction toys, blowing bubbles, sorting games, toy train sets, interactive computer games or videos and anything that incorporates drawing, colors or painting.

    Equine Therapy

    • There are two types of equine therapy: hippotherapy, which entails the involvement of a physician; and therapeutic riding which is more for pleasure but has similar benefits. On first introduction to the horse, your child may show some behavioral reluctance to participate. This quickly resolves itself once he̵7;s on the animal̵7;s back. The rhythmic motion of the horse̵7;s gait has a soothing effect on your child and provides excellent movement for legs, back, ligaments and joints. It also encourages communication, builds strength and self-confidence, and improves concentration and sensory integration.

    Healthy Bodies

    • Physical activity is an important part of any child̵7;s routine. But kids with Asperger̵7;s can especially benefit from exercise that is high on repetition and low on imagination. Exercise also helps your child fine tune his motor coordination. Encourage activities such as bike riding, hiking, trampolines and rocking horses. Other activities can include a hoop and a basketball, a hockey stick and a net or even a climbing frame with proper supervision.

    Turn a Preoccupation into a Passion

    • Most kids with Asperger̵7;s tend to fixate on a given subject, whether it is computers or growing plants. Instead of discouraging this consuming preoccupation, Mayoclinic.com suggests using it to your child̵7;s advantage. Encourage him to join a club at school that speaks to his passion, such as a computer or horticultural club. This will help him develop his socialization and communication skills, and you may even find that your child̵7;s passion becomes a lucrative career as he gets older.

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