It is estimated that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed as autistic. Autism is prevalent in any community, but there remain many misunderstandings and misperceptions about autism. Helping your community better understand autism leads to greater support from the teachers, service workers, store clerks, police officers, and any member of the public who has not had much direct experience with autistic individuals.
Autism is a spectrum and no two people are the same. Spreading autism awareness is important in helping others understand what autism is and promoting acceptance. As people become aware of autism, they become more compassionate and perceptive of the people in their communities.
Parents, educators, and children can get involved in these fun activities. For autistic children, communication can be difficult. Creativity is a way for children to communicate and express themselves nonverbally. Arts and crafts can be a fun, interactive way to spread autism awareness.
You can involve your child in any aspect of crafting: material preparation, doing parts of the activity, clean up, and discussion! Engaging your child in different mediums and trying out different art techniques can spark interest in crafting projects.
The following are some fun craft ideas to promote autism awareness and get your child involved:
Craft using autism awareness fabric. These are colorful fabrics with puzzle pieces or autism awareness ribbons! There are lots available online or at your local craft store. Some include messages like “I LOVE SOMEONE WITH AUTISM” or “AUTISM AWARENESS!” Incorporating these fabrics into your crafts is a wonderful way to prompt a conversation about autism.
Making a visual display, such as a bulletin board in a local community center or a mural is a colorful way to brighten up your town and spread awareness. Invite friends and neighbors to participate and learn about autism. Artwork or designs are a wonderful way to spark a conversation.
Bracelets, t-shirts, hats, or stickers are wearable ways to spread awareness. Incorporate “Autism Awareness,” messages, puzzle pieces, and ribbons to spread a message while you’re walking around your local grocery store or driving around town.
Spread autism awareness by decorating your home or classroom door with a wreath or decor that promotes autism awareness. Craft a wreath using rainbow tulle, painted puzzle pieces, ribbons, and autism awareness fabric. A colorful wreath can send a powerful message; for added measure, on a piece of cardstock in the center, write a message relating to autism. Some ideas include “Grow your awareness,” “Light it up blue!” (the slogan for autism awareness month), or “We’re all part of the puzzle.”
Creating a bulletin board in your home, church or classroom is a way to create a sense of welcoming and understanding in your space. Start with puzzle piece cutouts and write words that describe your autistic loved one (adventurous, smart, funny, etc.). Piece the puzzle pieces together to create a board that captures everything special about autism. Add pictures of loved ones, stickers, or textures (pipe cleaners, beads, feathers) for added color.
Do you have someone special in your life who has supported your autistic child or student? Family, friends, teachers, or caregivers? Remind them that they’re appreciated and “part of the puzzle” with a shadowbox. Shadowboxes are small cases that are larger than a typical picture frame. Inside the shadow box, paste a photograph of someone special with your child. No picture? Write a kind quote about what they mean to your family or classroom. Paste puzzle pieces around the image and sprinkle extra pieces into the shadowbox for a memorable gift.
Buy puzzle-piece-shaped cookie cutters. These can be found in your local grocery store, craft store, or online. Next, choose your moldable dough. Some families prefer to make their own play-dough or it can be store-bought. Add some food coloring or glitter to your dough for added effect. Then, roll it out and use your cookie cutter to create puzzle piece shapes. Depending on the type of dough, follow instructions to either bake it or leave it out to dry. When finished, your solid three-dimensional puzzle pieces can be used to build, for decor, or as ornaments or door hangings. Get creative with them!
Grab a blank photo frame from your local craft store or create your own with scissors and cardboard. Using an old puzzle, paint the pieces rainbow or whatever colors you prefer. Add some glitter, puffy paint, or chalkboard paint for an added sensory aspect! Once dry, glue the puzzle pieces around the frame. Include a picture of your autistic child or one with the whole family. Display somewhere central at home.
Use a stack of puzzle pieces and decorate away! Use bright markers, crayons, or paint to make for some colorful flower petals. When dry, grab a piece of paper and draw a circle in the center. This will be the center of your flower. Around the circle, paste your puzzle pieces - these are the petals. Add a pipe cleaner stem and decorate the background as desired.
Arts and crafts should be a fun, enjoyable activity. But if your child isn’t naturally inclined to participate in art activities, here are some tips for motivating them to get involved:
https://blog.stageslearning.com/blog/autism-art-therapy
https://carmenbpingree.com/blog/art-therapy-activities-for-autism/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/art-therapy-for-children-with-autism-benefits-techniques.html
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/why-autism-awareness-understanding-and-acceptance-important-us