Key Takeaways:
- Simple, structured games for kids with autism build language and listening skills.
- Cooperative board games help develop turn-taking and teamwork.
- Games for autistic kids should be taught and modeled prior to play time.
- Play sets the foundation for social and communication growth.
Why Games Matter at This Age
At Excel Together in New York, we use games daily to support development in preschoolers. Activities for autistic preschoolers, like structured play, create opportunities for communication, self-regulation, and teamwork. We see measurable improvements when children are engaged in play in a safe, consistent, and therapeutic environment.
Offering predictable routines, clear expectations, and fun reinforcement, games for kids with autism are an effective tool of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. With the right modeling from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and ABA therapists, children begin to follow instructions more independently and participate with peers.
Classic Movement Games
Movement games are a common choice for preschoolers; they keep kids active while strengthening receptive skills. At Excel Together, these are always favorites in our ABA sessions:
- Simon Says: Kids practice following directions and tuning into language.This promotes following directions and quick thinking
- Red Light, Green Light: Targets receptive listening skills and is a great game for kids with autism.
- Duck Duck Goose: Played in a group setting, Duck Duck Goose encourages social engagement and waiting skills.
At Excel Together, we adapt these activities for autistic preschoolers by simplifying instructions or modeling the play before asking them to copy or participate. Depending on a child’s unique developmental stage, even small changes to games for autistic kids– like fewer players or shorter rounds– make a big difference.
Cooperative Board Games
At ages 3 to 5, the desire to win may feel overwhelming. At Excel Together, we often utilize cooperative board games for kids with autism that remove the pressure of winning or losing and focus on working with others.
Two of our favorite choices are:
- Hoot Hoot Owl: This two-to-four player game teaches color recognition and teamwork, especially in a one-on-one setting with an ABA therapist.
- Count Your Chickens: With rules dictating you only win if everyone wins, this game encourages turn-taking and counting.
At Excel Together, a session playing a game always includes taking turns, narrating each step, and celebrating team success. We’ll use ABA techniques to reinforce positive behavior while playing.
Other Board Games for Kids With Autism
Not every child will respond to every game– it’s important to have options, to encourage the child to learn and have fun. When considering activities for autistic preschoolers, simplicity and eye-catching visuals are important factors.
For simple board games for autistic kids loved by many 3 to 5-year-olds, some of our go-to options include:
| Game | Skills Practiced | Why We Like It |
| Candyland | Color recognition, turn-taking | Simple rules and bright visuals |
| Memory | Attention, visual matching | Easy to adapt for shorter play |
| Snail’s Pace Race | Color recognition, turn-taking | Non-competitive game that encourages teamwork |
| Chutes and Ladders | Counting, turn-taking | Simple rules |
These games for kids with autism often require modeling. Our method at Excel Together involves providing models for the child and playing side-by-side at first, then gradually shifting responsibility to the child.
Adapting Games for Different Levels of Functioning
Every child is unique, and their play should reflect their strengths and room for growth. For some children, following one rule is challenging enough; for others, we can increase complexity slowly.
Ways we adapt game play include:
- Reducing the length or number of steps in the game.
- Playing with fewer players.
- Offering visual cues or gestures to supplement the rules of play.
When we tailor activities for autistic preschoolers, their ability to participate and enjoy increases significantly. It’s amazing to see the growth and joy that come as a result of games for kids with autism.
Positive Outcomes of Games for Autistic Kids
Parents often ask how games translate into growth. From our work, here are a few outcomes:
- Improved receptive language skills: Kids follow multi-step directions more consistently.
- Increased attention span and focus: Children watch their peers and anticipate turns.
- Stronger teamwork ability: Children begin to celebrate wins together instead of competing.
This is why our BCBAs at Excel Together highly recommend these activities for autistic preschoolers as part of early play-based intervention.
Advice for Parents and Caregivers
If you’re introducing these games for kids with autism at home, keep it simple and supportive:
- Model the game first.
- Keep rounds short and fun, or consider shortening the game overall.
- Use clear, simple language and gestures.
- Celebrate small successes, especially with an emphasis on teamwork.
When games for autistic kids are presented as such, we find kids to be more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
FAQs
What are the best outdoor games for autism?
We recommend classic movement games like Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, and Duck Duck Goose. However, outdoors can bring in new distractions– it’s best to model and practice these games in a quiet environment with few distractions first.
What if my child loses interest in games for kids with autism quickly?
Offer positive reinforcement after each turn, adding movement breaks, or shortening the game or rounds.
My child struggles with turn-taking. Any advice?
Use cooperative board games first– like Hoot Hoot Owl– so everyone wins together. Gradually move to simple competitive games when ready.
Do these games for autistic kids replace therapy?
No, but they reinforce skills taught in ASD therapy. They are a fun and practical way to maintain progress at home.
Start Your Journey with Activities for Autistic Preschoolers
At Excel Together, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible progress that can be triggered by structured play through thoughtfully adapted games for kids with autism. Our expert team is happy to help you start your child’s journey in New York City. Contact us today!