Having the right activities for adults with autism can make all the difference to their life. Engaging in creative art projects is fun and a good way for autistic adults to express themselves. These activities have therapeutic benefits that can improve fine motor skills. They also provide an outlet for emotions, which can be very fulfilling.
Gardening is a great way to relax and feel accomplished. Isn’t it great that digging in the dirt can help you grow?
As you can see, the sensory experience of nurturing plants can be rewarding. In fact, research has shown that gardening can reduce stress levels by up to 36%.
Stay connected to the end of this post to learn about the top 9 engaging activities for adults with autism.
Best Activities for Adults with Autism
1. Creative Art Projects
Creative art projects give autistic adults the chance to be creative and express themselves. Painting, drawing, sculpting and pottery are both therapeutic and fun. Pottery for example allows individuals to play with clay, a rich sensory experience and fine motor skills.
Art projects are about the process not the end result. Handling different materials like in scrapbooking can be very calming due to the tactile experience.
Scrapbooking has different textures and visual supports that can be for both touch and sight, that’s why it’s a favourite among adults with autism.
Finger painting is another fun activity that’s sensory and free form.
2. Gardening Activities
Gardening is a very fulfilling activity. It’s good for autistic adults. Caring for plants and being in nature gives a sense of achievement and calm. Gardening is therapeutic, reduces stress and anxiety and promotes responsibility and patience.
One of the best things about gardening is the tactile experience. Handling soil and plants engages different senses, it’s a sensory activity. Indoor gardening options are available for all skill levels.
However, simple tasks like watering plants is a great starting point, more complex tasks like propagating or making terrariums offer more challenges and rewards.
3. Cooking Adventures
Cooking activities are fun and good for autistic adults. Cooking and baking is sensory through the exploration of different textures and smells. These activities also develop motor skills and a practical way to do sensory activities.
Following recipes and experimenting with flavours can be fun and educational. Using visual aids like recipe cards and checklists can make cooking easier for individuals with autism.
In this way, adaptive tools like specialized cutting boards and spill proof containers can help those with fine motor skills difficulties to have a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.
4. Nature Walks
Nature walking is a great way for autistic adults to get physical exercise and mental relaxation. Nature walks are an activity recommended for a calming experience through fresh air, natural scenery and movement. These walks are a perfect opportunity to do sensory activities while enjoying the great outdoors.
Gardening as mentioned earlier also falls under nature walking and promotes movement and active participation. It’s an activity that combines the benefits of physical exercise with the calming effects of nature.
5. Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation are important for relaxation and reducing stress for autistic adults. These practices improve overall well being by improving focus and quality of life. Yoga in particular helps body awareness and coordination and calms the nervous system.
Because of this, methods like breathing exercises, body scan and movement awareness can enhance mindfulness practices.
These can help manage stress and anxiety and make daily tasks easier and more manageable for autistic individuals.
6. Puzzles and Brain Games
Puzzles and brain games are great for cognitive skills and sense of achievement. These activities provide a structured environment with clear goals which is appealing to many autistic individuals who love routine. Puzzles are visual activities so great for visual learners.
Sounds good, right?
Puzzles not only improve focus and hand eye coordination but also self esteem and sense of achievement. Different types of puzzles like 3D or logic puzzles can be introduced gradually to match the skill levels of autistic adults.
Moreover, knitting and model building can also develop fine motor skills and creativity.
7. Social Clubs and Meetups
Also, social clubs and meetups are important for social interaction and building friendships for autistic adults. These social environments provide a sense of community and common interests to share. Social clubs can also help reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Programs for social skills development teach the communication skills needed to navigate social situations. These programs often include role playing and rehearsals so participants can practice in a safe and supportive environment.
8. Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is great for autistic adults, emotional support and reducing anxiety. Interacting with animals can bring joy and overall well being. Interacting with animals in a comfortable environment can create a therapeutic and fun connection.
Service animals in particular can prevent meltdowns and ensure safety, provide critical support for individuals with autism. The presence of these animals can reduce stress levels and sense of companionship.
Whether through pet therapy sessions or having a pet at home the human animal bond can be very beneficial so it’s highly recommended for autistic adults.
9. Sensory Activities
Sensory activities are important for autistic adults as they reduce anxiety and promote positive behaviour. These activities aim to stimulate the 5 senses and help the individual process sensory information. Sensory activities like finger painting and playing with sensory materials provide a rich tactile experience.
Fidget toys and DIY sensory toys can also provide tactile stimulation and improve focus and reduce stress. Sensory bins filled with sand, beans or water can be very engaging and calming.
Creating a sensory friendly environment during activities can help autistic individuals feel more safe and comfortable and reduce sensory overload.
Wrap Up
With all of this in mind, activities for autistic adults are many and varied. From art projects to sensory activities each activity provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development and well being.
