Some people love the novelty of trying new things. For others, trying something new can be unwanted or even scary. For our children with autism and ADHD, giving new activities a try isn’t usually at the top of their list. Yet, new experiences are so important in life and can lead to wonderful things. So how can you encourage your child with autism and ADHD to try new activities?

Autistic children’s love of routine

One of the hardest obstacles for trying new activities for autistic children is their love and need of routine. If they are going to try something new, then it has to take the place of something else that regularly is part of their schedule.

It can be really hard for your autistic child when routines need to change. That is because routines play an important part of their lives and provide them with feelings of security and stability, among many other benefits.

Our son J thrives with routine. When he was younger, keeping as close to his routine as we could (even while travelling) was the key to better days. He is better at adapting when his routine changes now that he is a teenager. He even creates his own routines because he is more in charge of how he spends his days. Of course, he has requirements such as school, meals, showers, chores and other necessary tasks. He works in his time for his special interest, which happens to be music at the moment.

Yet, we still need to encourage him when it comes to trying new activities. And it’s not usually trying something just once; it takes him several tries to see if he does really like it. Every once in a while, he will take to something new immediately. A lot of times, he needs more time to figure out if it’s something he wants to do on a regular basis.

Fear of the unknown

Most of us are apprehensive about doing something new when we don’t know much about it. The fear of the unknown is true for us but especially for our children with autism and ADHD.

Research has shown that autistic children who are uncertain about situations can experience more anxiety and sensory sensitivities because of it. Helping them learn from past experiences to help them better predict a new experience can help ease their anxiety.

Benefits of trying new activities

Trying something new can provide so many benefits to our children with autism and ADHD. A few include:

• Grow personally and intellectually
• Build confidence
• Improve social skills
• Acquire life skills
• Reduce boredom (people with ADHD thrive on novel experiences)
• Provide a new activity that your child may really enjoy
• Show courage

How to help your child with autism and ADHD try new activities

So how can you encourage and help your child with autism and ADHD try new activities? Here are some suggestions.

1. Have lots of patience

When trying something new, your autistic child may be emotional about it. Be prepared to be gentle and have lots of patience. Encourage your child with each step and praise them for their efforts.

2. Make it fun and even a game

Make the new activity fun with whatever you think will help your child enjoy it more. Add favorite music or find a way to turn the new activity into a game. They and you will enjoy it more, and it may be an activity that your child wants to do on a regular basis.

3. Link it to their special interest

Find a way to link the new activity to their special interest, and you most likely will have a winner!

4. Offer a reward

Add an incentive as a reward for trying the new activity. Want to visit a new place that you think your whole family will enjoy? Offer to take your child to their favorite restaurant for lunch or dinner as part of the outing or even out for ice cream right after the activity.

5. Pair it with something else they enjoy doing

If the new activity can be paired with or be a part of another activity your child already enjoys, that is a great way to help them try something new.

6. Prepare them with a social story

Prepare your child for the new activity with a social story (affiliate link) so that they will know what to expect and can ask any questions before it.

7. Provide choices

If you can provide choices regarding the new activity, be sure to do so. It will allow your child to have some autonomy and feel like they are part of the planning process.

8. Be flexible

Know that things probably won’t go exactly as planned, so be flexible with the how the new activity goes.

You know your child best and how far you can push them when trying a new activity. Remember to not ever force it on them. If they start, and it becomes clear they are distressed, it’s better to stop and try it again later or choose a different activity in the future.

What experiences have you had in encouraging your child with autism and ADHD to try new activities? What helped make it successful for your child? Leave a comment so that we can share and encourage one another on this journey!