World Autism Acceptance Week: 8 Resources to Keep Autistic Children Stimulated
Today marks the start of World Autism Acceptance Week, which runs from March 27th to April 2nd, and this year’s theme is colour.
Autism spectrum disorder, commonly known as autism, is a developmental disability that affects about 700,000 adults and children in the UK. More than 1 in 100 people are autistic. Autism has a spectrum and affects people in many ways.
Roughly 80% of autistic children have some deficiency in motor performance, and many have difficulties with their posture, coordination, and planning. In a research study carried out by Johnson-Ecker and Parham (2000), autistic children were tested on their ability to conceptualise, plan and coordinate movements to carry out a motor task. Such children scored lower than their typically developing peers.
Physical development is crucial to a child’s well-being and here at Eduk8, we have 8 resources that can enormously benefit children with autism. These products incorporate plenty of colours, in keeping with this year’s theme for World Autism Acceptance Week.
20 multi-coloured interlocking ‘star’ shapes that aid in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Children can construct a range of animals and objects, from a cat to a giraffe, or a tree to a spaceship. Even a person! Virtually anything can be built – there is no limit where the imagination is concerned!
Relieves stress through fidgeting and enables the mind to get creative. Can be manipulated and twisted. Assists with focus during lessons at school. How does your child use it to express themselves? Do they create patterns or shapes with the Tangle®? Twist and turn to soothe the mind.
3D Rugs (Farm, Mini City, and Twin Houses)
Sensory rugs featuring a Farm, Mini City, and even Twin Houses with a beach. Generally, those with autism are better at experiencing sensory input processes than verbal activities. Aids in stress relief and the sensation helps keep children with autism focused. Each rug can be used with toys ranging from action figures to Barbie® dolls, as well as animals, toy cars, helicopters and so much more! Your child can even play with friends!
Autistic children may lack effective coordination and have poor muscle tone. Use the Fuzzee Balls to improve and maintain your child’s hand-to-eye coordination and teamwork skills. These balls are soft so can be used safely in ball games.
Magnetic Lowercase Letters, Uppercase Letters and Numbers & Symbols
Lower/uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols in a range of colours. An excellent resource for non-verbal children who prefer written communication. Not only can these letters, numbers and symbols be used on the table or the floor, but they can additionally be used on any magnetic surface, such as the fridge. Make words with your child or do sums. Give your little ones a maths question whilst they wait for breakfast, lunch, or tea. Keeps the mind busy.
A therapeutic resource which consists of 8 multi-coloured shapes and threads. Develops fine motor skills and hand-to-eye coordination, and aids in shape and colour recognition. Match each thread to the relevant shape. Why not remove each thread once your child has finished and see if they can do it again, but faster?
Children with autism tend to focus on geometric shapes and this activity keeps the mind occupied. Your child will have great fun matching the shape to the corresponding section on each picture. Why not time your child as they get on – see how quickly they can solve each puzzle?
A fun way for children to develop their hand-to-eye coordination and fine motor skills, putting the mouse through each hole in the block of cheese. Also improves concentration – there are numbers next to each hole to assist. Can your child do it backwards too?
At Eduk8, we are committed to meeting the needs of all, which is why we have a range of sensory toys that will help your little one develop their confidence, competence, coordination and teamwork skills.
We’d also love to hear what you get up to during World Autism Acceptance Week!
Let us know via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Our handle is @eduk8worldwide – use the hashtags #WorldAutismAcceptanceWeek2023 #WorldAutismAcceptanceWeek #EDUK8 and don’t forget to tag us in your posts!