Nurturing Joy: Non-Electronic Activities for Autism Families
Apr 24, 2019
My Beloved Families,
I come to you with a heart full of love and understanding, as we walk the extraordinary path of parenting children on the autism spectrum. Each day, we face unique challenges, and I've been led to share with you some of the quiet, non-electronic activities that have brought joy and peace to our precious Nathan.
You see, our dear Nathan has low-functioning autism, and like every child, his joys and interests are wonderfully unique. It's crucial to remember that each child, whether on the spectrum or not, is beautifully different. So, let's embark on a journey of discovery, seeking those simple, quiet activities that resonate with your own child.
Here's a glimpse into some of the treasures we've unearthed in our quest to entertain and engage Nathan:
1. Cut and Glues: The magic of turning pictures from old magazines into cut and glue projects has been a constant companion on our journey. After drawing a one inch grid on the picture, we photocopy it. Then Nathan will cut each square out and paste them on the photocopy. It may be seen as busy work, but in our world, it's a source of deep contentment for him.
2. Copied Stickers: Stickers are a source of fascination for Nathan, and we've harnessed this interest by photocopying pages of stickers. Nathan takes delight in removing and placing stickers on photocopies. Simple, quiet, and immensely enjoyable – it's a wonderful diversion.
3. Word Cut and Glues: Similar to the cut and glues, we've used this concept with words, verses, phrases, or song lyrics. Nathan finds joy in cutting out each letter and pasting them in order, on a photocopied page which has a blank for each letter often humming along if they happen to be song lyrics.
4. Word Search Puzzle Books: Nathan is a word search whiz, effortlessly completing entire books. We keep these handy, knowing they're an excellent way to keep him occupied during waiting times.
5. Connect the Dot Books: These provide a pleasant diversion, and Nathan has progressed from simpler to more intricate puzzles as he's grown older.
6. Sticker Puzzles: Nathan's love for puzzles finds expression in sticker puzzles, which are not only engaging but also highly portable. They've been a reliable companion at church for years, offering both him and us a quiet, peaceful time.
7. Color by Number: Color by number books have brought moments of joy, though Nathan's coloring may not always be the tidiest. We've found that setting aside the crayon colors he needs and highlighting each word with the corresponding color helps.
8. Puzzles: Nathan's passion for puzzles extends to 500, 750, and 1000 piece challenges. He's a puzzle maestro, and his journey began with simple puzzles as a child. We took them to church, ensuring we didn't lose any pieces, and this early engagement paved the way for his love of complex puzzles as an adult.
9. Fidget and Sensory Toys: Nathan finds comfort in sensory toys, though they can sometimes be a source of envy for his siblings. These small items offer a soothing, tactile experience.
In conclusion, my dear families, I share this list of activities that have brought joy and contentment to Nathan and us in various settings where patience and quiet are required. These simple treasures have illuminated our lives, creating moments of happiness and engagement. May you also find the perfect activities that resonate with your child's heart and bring peace to your journey.
With love and understanding,
Tamara K. Anderson
