Playtime Might be a Little Different for Children with Autism, but Just as Important

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Children with autism like fun playtime as much as other children. The difference is, autistic children often play a little differently than others. Oftentimes, loved ones of children with autism are unsure of what autism actually is, how they should interact with an autistic child, and what kind of items they can or should buy for gifts.

What is autism? Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life, and effects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Autism effects the areas of the brain that control communication and social interaction, which means that activities for autistic children that involve communication or social interaction are very good, because it will give the autistic child the opportunity to practice those skills, so they can be better prepared for the real world.

Children with autism are often oversensitive or under-sensitive to different sensory cues. This means bright lights or strange textures can upset them. But it also means that a particular touch can help keep them calm and happy. Many parents use weighted therapy blankets for their autistic children. These blankets come in a variety of sizes, and can be used in a number of different situations. Not only can the child be covered with a weighted blanket to sleep, but a weighted blanket on the lap can help to make a child much happier and calmer in a strange situation, like going out to eat at a restaurant.

Children with autism are not all that much different from other children. Their senses may be more sensitive, and they may react more strongly to certain things, but at the core, they are curious children who are excited to learn about the world.