Autism-friendly Magnetic Crafts
As the parent, grandparent, or caregiver of an autistic child, you know first-hand that keeping your child engaged in fun and educational activities over the summer can be a challenge. Rather than turn to screen time to occupy their busy hands and minds, why not make these low-cost creative DIY activities with simple items you can find in your kitchen or craft bin? Make one or all three of the crafts found below. Whether your superhero faces verbal, social, or sensory difficulties, these crafts are easy to make and perfect for the entire family to enjoy!
Daily Weather Map
What you will need:- Construction paper or regular copy paper
- Laminating paper
- Scissors (or safety scissors depending on age)
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- Hot glue gun
- 6x2mm disc magnets
- Begin by drawing weather-related shapes, including sun, clouds, raindrops, snow, etc., and cut out each shape
- Make a rectangular banner that says, “Today’s Forecast” and cut it out
- Laminate each shape individually
- Glue one disc magnet to the back of each shape
- Fold a piece of construction paper in half and place a small amount of hot glue or craft glue on each edge to create a pocket
- Glue two magnets on the top edges of the pocket (this will hold your weather shapes safely in one location)
- Place the header piece and pocket on your fridge
- Observe the weather each morning with your child by looking out the window and create the daily forecast
- As your child becomes familiar with this activity, you can incorporate additional elements like associated clothing for each type of weather (Examples: Jacket for snow, rain boots for rain, a t-shirt for sun, etc.)
Fishing for Shapes
Gather the following supplies:- A small craft bin or plastic tub (resembling a tackle box)
- Construction paper or copy paper
- Laminating paper (optional)
- Hot glue gun
- 6x2mm disc magnets
- Pencil
- Twine or yarn
- Scissors
- Cut a piece of twine or yard to size and tie it to your pencil (place a dab of hot glue for additional securement)
- Glue a disc magnet to the end of your string
- Trace and cut out a variety of shapes (get creative and use different colored paper)
- Trace each shape on a separate piece of paper, listing the name of each
- Laminate each shape (optional) and glue a disc magnet to the back
- Place your shapes in your bin/tackle box or directly on the floor (making sure the pieces are separated so as not to become stuck together), and let the fun begin
- Instruct your child to “fish” for shapes
- Every time your child catches a new shape, they should identify it by placing it on top of your shape “key” that you created earlier
- Repeat this process until every shape has been identified
- For magnetic shape fun on the go, glue your shape key to a cookie sheet and take it on vacation, to the grocery store or anywhere you go
Face Match
Pick up these supplies:- Cookie sheet (check your local dollar store)
- Construction paper or copy paper
- Laminating paper (optional)
- 6x2mm disc magnets
- Colored pencils, crayons, markers, etc.
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Draw a head on an 8.5 piece of paper
- Place a few small dabs of glue on each corner of your paper and press it firmly on your cookie sheet
- Draw the elements of a face and cut each shape out
- Laminate each shape (optional)
- Glue one disc magnet on the back of each shape
- You are ready to start identifying each part of the face and placing each shape in its correct location