Fun and Inclusive Activities for Children with Autism and ADHD

Spring is a season of renewal, and with it comes the excitement of celebrating Nowruz, Passover, and Easter! For families with children on the autism spectrum or with ADHD, holidays can be filled with joy but may also require a little extra planning to ensure they’re enjoyable and comfortable. With some creativity and flexibility, you can create memorable experiences that are engaging, sensory-friendly, and fun for everyone. 

Here are some festive, easy-to-modify activities to enjoy with your child during these special holidays. 

Nowruz: Welcoming the New Year with Joy 

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrates rebirth and renewal with vibrant traditions that children can actively participate in. 

✅ 1. Create a Sensory-Friendly Haft-Seen Table
The Haft-Seen table is filled with symbolic items that represent renewal, health, and prosperity. Invite your child to help set it up by incorporating sensory-friendly items they enjoy. 

• Include textured objects like smooth apples or fuzzy wheatgrass. 

• Let them explore fragrant items like vinegar or hyacinths, offering a calming sensory experience. 

• Create a visual schedule with images or words to explain the meaning of each item. 

✅ 2. Decorate Eggs for Nowruz
Painting or dyeing eggs, a tradition in Nowruz, is a fun and creative activity. 

• Use washable markers or stickers for children who may not enjoy messy activities. 

• Offer sensory-friendly options like using sponges, cotton balls, or rollers to apply color. 

• If traditional dyes are overwhelming, try water-based paints for a more controlled experience. 

✅ 3. Jump Over the Fire (or a Safer Version!)
Chaharshanbe Suri involves jumping over fire to symbolically leave negativity behind. A sensory-friendly version can involve: 

• Jumping over LED lights or colored tissue paper to simulate flames. 

• Using soft mats or cushions to create a safe, obstacle-free jumping experience. 

Passover: Exploring Tradition and Storytelling 

Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites’ journey to freedom. It’s a perfect time to incorporate sensory play and storytelling into your celebrations. 

✅ 1. Create a Visual Passover Story
Help your child engage with the story of Passover by creating a visual timeline or storybook. 

• Use pictures, icons, or even Lego scenes to illustrate key moments. 

• Incorporate felt boards or magnet boards to encourage hands-on participation. 

✅ 2. Make a Sensory Matzah Experience
Matzah, the unleavened bread eaten during Passover, offers a great sensory opportunity. 

• Create a taste-testing activity with different types of matzah, such as plain, salted, or gluten-free. 

• For children sensitive to texture, provide dips like honey, cream cheese, or peanut butter to make the experience more enjoyable. 

✅ 3. DIY Plague Sensory Bin
Engage your child in understanding the Ten Plagues through a themed sensory bin. 

• Include toy frogs, red water beads for “blood,” and fluffy cotton balls for “hail.” 

• Allow your child to explore the textures and discuss the story as they play. 

Easter: Fun, Eggs, and Spring Surprises 

Easter brings opportunities for creative play and outdoor fun. With a little modification, classic Easter traditions can be accessible and enjoyable for all children. 

✅ 1. Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt
Egg hunts can be overwhelming, but with a few adjustments, they can become a delightful activity. 

• Use brightly colored eggs to make them easier to spot. 

• Create a quiet, low-stimulation area where your child can open the eggs afterward. 

• Fill eggs with non-candy surprises like stickers, small toys, or sensory-friendly items such as squishies or textured objects. 

✅ 2. Easter Craft Time
Crafting allows children to explore their creativity while practicing fine motor skills. 

• Decorate eggs using stickers, foam shapes, and glitter glue. 

• Create a springtime sensory collage using cotton balls, feathers, and tissue paper. 

• Make simple bunny masks with paper plates and pipe cleaners for pretend play. 

✅ 3. Bake and Decorate Easter Treats
Baking is a wonderful sensory activity that also supports executive functioning skills. 

• Prepare easy, allergen-friendly cookies or cupcakes. 

• Let your child decorate using icing, sprinkles, or edible markers. 

• Offer step-by-step guidance and use visual supports for sequencing. 

🌟 Tips for a Successful Holiday Season 

1. Prepare with Visual Schedules: Use pictures or social stories to explain what to expect. 

1. Offer Breaks and Quiet Spaces: Create a calm, sensory-safe space where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. 

1. Celebrate at Your Own Pace: Modify traditions to meet your child’s comfort level, and remember that it’s okay to take things slowly. 

With a little preparation and creativity, Nowruz, Passover, and Easter can be filled with meaningful moments and joyful memories for your family. Happy celebrating! 🎉✨ 

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