autism-friendly activities at home

Photo by Gustavo Fring

As more and more schools around the world are closing, parents and carers are suddenly finding themselves in charge of their children’s education. People have been busy sharing homeschooling websites, apps and printables. We understand that things are a bit different for SEND families, and we couldn’t help but notice that some of these resources might not be as relevant for autistic children and young people. But we realise that the change in routine and the uncertainty we are all facing in our communities can be very disruptive and upsetting for them and they also need to be kept busy and engaged while at home. So, we put together an autism-friendly list of activities and resources based on the sensory systems:

Photo by StockSnap--894430 from Pixabay

Auditory:

• Audible: For as long as schools are closed, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories for free.
• The Phonics Nest: a newly launched online resource for phonics videos and games.

Visual:

• Broadway HD: you can get a free trial for a week and enjoy watching your favourite Broadway shows.
• Virtual museums: virtual tours and online exhibits from some of the most famous museums around the world.

Photo by Valeria Ushakova from Pexels

Vestibular:

• Cosmic Kids: a yoga and mindfulness website dedicated to children with a YouTube channel and app.
• PE with Joe: Joe Wick is offering LIVE PE lessons at 9am Monday to Friday on his YouTube channel for children of all ages.

Proprioception:

• Focus on the Family: age-appropriate chores for children to get those muscles working.
• Teach Mama: an article listing popular YouTube dance videos for children.

Photo by Elle Hughes

Olfactory:

• The Inspired Tree: activities to explore the sense of smell at home using stuff you have lying around.
• Change 4 Life: a website and app developed by the NHS to promote healthy eating and share fun recipes for the whole family.

Tactile:

• The Typing Club: learn touch typing for free on this website.
• The OT Toolbox: resources, tools, ideas for tactile activities.

​We will be continuing to update this list so please leave us a comment below if there is anything else you would like us to add!