Tips of the Day - Playtime

• Cover the kitchen table with protective paper and let your child finger paint.
• Let your child paint with shaving cream in the bathtub.
• Bury small prizes in a box of dried beans or rice for your child to find.
• Fill an empty coffee can with dried beans for your child to shake.
• Hide trinkets inside a ball of clay or playdough for your child to find.
• Fill a dishpan with warm water and dishwashing bubbles and place outside; let your child splash and wash waterproof toys.
• To engage your child in play, walk toward her with your fingers wiggling to tickle her; chase her around the house until you catch her and tickle her.
• Make an art project with glitter and glue.
• Let your child pop the bubbles on bubble wrap using his hands, fingers and feet.
• Roll and bounce your child on a large exercise ball.
• Wrap your child in a blanket and have two people swing him.
• Use felt boards to illustrate stories; let your child place the people in the scene.
• To help your child prepare for activity transitions, warn him five to ten minutes before you change activities.
• To tickle your child, run scarves through her hands and around her neck.
• Let your child wave lightweight scarves; he will enjoy seeing the colors and fabrics move.
• Let your child show you what he wants by offering your hand and letting him take you where he wants to go.

_{*Tips taken from "The Child with Autism Series" by Kathy Labosh}