Expanding Interests and Cultivating New Hobbies for Autistic Children

As summer unfolds, many families are well into their seasonal routines. For parents of autistic children, summer often presents a unique opportunity to explore new ways to engage their kids. This time of the year can be ideal for broadening a child's interests and introducing new hobbies that can foster growth and joy. By thoughtfully planning activities, parents can create enriching experiences that cater to their child's needs and help expand their horizons in a supportive and fun way. 

Luckily, the science of behavior offers a foundation for strategies that can be used to expand a child’s interests and cultivate new hobbies. By using behavior-based strategies, parents can help their children discover new activities. Here’s a deeper look at how these strategies can be effectively implemented:

1. Start Small. When introducing a new hobby or activity, it's important to begin with small, manageable steps. Starting small reduces the likelihood of overwhelming your child and helps build confidence as they experience success in incremental stages. For example, if you're introducing painting, start with a simple brush and paper before progressing to more complex materials. By celebrating small achievements, you can create positive associations with the new activity, opening the door for gradual skill-building and increased interest.

   
   

2. Pair preferred items and activities with non-preferred items and activities¹.  One effective way to motivate autistic children to try new activities is by pairing them with other activities or objects they already enjoy. As an example, if your child enjoys eating apples as a snack, you could give them apples to enjoy while reading a book (a less preferred activity). As another example, if a child loves music but is hesitant about trying new physical activities, playing their favorite tunes during the activity (e.g., kicking ball, playing catch, doing gymnastics) can enhance their motivation to try something new. This method relies on the positive association they have with their existing preferences to make unfamiliar activities more appealing. Over time, the preference for the familiar activity can extend to the new activity.

   
   

3. Introduce new textures and smells. Sensory experiences can play a significant role in engaging autistic children. Introducing new textures and smells can stimulate their curiosity and willingness to explore. You can encourage them through tactile play with different materials, like sand or clay, or through exploring scents with smelling jars.  Gradually integrate these new textures and smells so your child feels comfortable exploring them.

   
   

4. Find activities or objects that are similar to activities they already enjoy. Children are often more open to trying new things when they see similarities to activities they already love. By identifying hobbies that share characteristics with their current interests, you can gently stretch their boundaries. For example, a child with an interest in building blocks might enjoy model construction or robotics, which also involve assembling and creating structures. This familiar yet novel approach can encourage children to step outside their comfort zones while still feeling secure.

   
   

5. Find different ways to introduce them to the activity. Diverse ways to experience the new activity can help your child discover a new hobby. You could introduce them to a new activity by watching videos of the activity, doing puzzles, or observing others engage in the activity. You might choose to do this type of exposure before asking them to try it themselves.  By allowing children to encounter a new interest through various formats, they become more familiar with the rules of the new game or expectations of the activity, which can lead to a deeper understanding when it comes to actually having the new experience. 

   
   

6. Set up a routine. Establish a routine so that your child becomes comfortable with the new activity. For example, if you’d like to introduce them to a new activity at the park like a slide, begin by going to the park at a certain day and time each week, so that they become familiar with being at the new place first before trying the new activity. These small changes can encourage your child to try something new while making the experience less overwhelming. Children can gradually become more comfortable and engaged with the activity over time.

   
   

7. Leverage technology. Utilize apps and interactive games that align with potential interests. Technology can be an engaging medium for discovery and learning, offering fun ways to explore new hobbies. Apps designed for skill development can also provide feedback which may be reinforcing for your child. Virtual reality can also play a critical role in trying new things and some research has demonstrated that when autistic children learn in the virtual world, skills generalize to the real world and natural environment². 

   
   

8. Get Involved in community activities. Explore community programs and classes specifically designed for neurodivergent children. These programs often provide a supportive environment where kids can engage with peers while learning new skills. Social interaction can also enhance their enjoyment and interest in a new hobby.

   
   

9. Encourage Peer Interaction³. Pair your child with a peer who has a shared interest or skill. Peer interactions can provide motivation and set a positive example, as children often learn well from observing and imitating others closer to their age. These interactions can also foster friendships, adding a social element to the activity.

   
   

10. Have fun. Engage with your child as they try new things and model for them that trying new activities can be fun, interesting and engaging. Children often imitate what they see⁴ and if they observe you or other trusted adults enjoying something, they may be more likely to try it themselves. 

    
    

By applying these strategies, parents can effectively guide their autistic children towards new interests and hobbies, making the summer a time of exciting discovery and personal growth.

Author: Amber Valentino, Psy.D., BCBA-D

Chief Clinical Officer at Mindcolor Autism

References

¹Baires, N.A., Fryling, M. (2023). Stimulus-Stimulus Pairing. In: Matson, J.L. (eds) Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19964-6_10

²Gayle, R.I., Valentino, A.L., & Fuhrman, A.M. (2024). Virtual reality training of safety and social communication skills in children with autism: An examination of acceptability, usability, and generalization. Behavior Analysis in Practice.

10.1007/s40617-024-00968-4

³Watkins, L., O’Reilly, M., Kuhn, M. et al. A Review of Peer-Mediated Social Interaction Interventions for Students with Autism in Inclusive Settings. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 45, 1070–1083 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2264-x

⁴Ingersoll, Brooke PhD. The Social Role of Imitation in Autism: Implications for the Treatment of Imitation Deficits. Infants & Young Children 21(2): p 107-119, April 2008. | DOI: 10.1097/01.IYC.0000314482.24087.14