Logo for Level Ahead ABA

Fostering Fun Indoor Games for Autistic Adults

Author image

Laura NG, MA BCBA
Clinical Operations Manager

Games for Autistic Adults

Indoor games for autistic adults aren't just about having a good time. They offer healing benefits, too. The right games, especially when they're easy on the senses, can really make a difference. It's worth looking at why sensory games rock and how those weighted vests and blankets can be game-changers.


Benefits of Sensory Games

Sensory games are more than a little fun. They're a big deal for enhancing the day-to-day lives of autistic adults. They tap into sensory perceptions and create lots of positive vibes. These activities can relax and focus players, giving them a boost when needed.


Some cool sensory-friendly stuff to try out includes:


  • Sensory bins

  • Weighted blankets and vests

  • Aromatherapy

  • Fidget toys

  • Stress balls

  • Sensory art


These aren't just stress busters—they're a way to engage with the world. The fine folks at Connect N Care say these activities hit the sweet spot for individual sensory needs.

Type of Activity Benefits
Sensory Bins Sparks curiosity; Fine-tunes motor skills
Weighted Blankets Cuts down on anxiety; Boosts comfort
Fidget Toys Gives sensory goodies; Keeps focus on point

Impact of Weighted Vests and Blankets

Things like weighted vests and blankets? They pack a punch. These aren't just cozy items—they can help behavior and comfort for autistic adults. For example, wearing a weighted vest helps students with autism stay on task more—18% to 25% more, according to the stats. It’s all about that comforting pressure, keeping distractions at bay.


As for weighted blankets, they've got anxiety in check. Some studies say 63% of folks feel less stressed after using them, and 78% choose it over other chill-out tricks. Tossing these weighted items into games or during downtime? That’s like a soothing hug in blanket form.


So, if you're looking into games for autistic adults, remember the magic of sensory games and weighted vests and blankets. They’re game-changing tools for family and caregivers planning enriching activities. Check out more on interactive games for autistic adults and sensory-friendly games for autistic adults for a treasure trove of ideas.


Therapeutic and Educational Games

Getting autistic adults into therapeutic and educational games can really make a difference. These games boost learning while also helping with personal growth and mental wellness.


Role of Yoga in Autism

Yoga is like a secret weapon for adults with autism. It offers a routine that can be both calming and reassuring. Yoga is known for helping with body awareness, balance, and strength. The chill vibes from yoga can improve focus and make it easier to handle emotions. 


Different yoga styles can match different needs. Ever heard of chair yoga? It's perfect for those who want extra support. Adding yoga to your schedule can be a great way to relax and boost your physical health.

Benefits of Yoga What It Does
Body Awareness Helps you get in tune with your movements.
Proprioception Improves your sense of where you are in space and balance.
Coordination Enhances motor skills through movement.
Strength Gradually builds muscle strength.

Serious Games for Skills Development

Games designed for autistic adults combine fun with education and therapy. These games sharpen thinking, social, and motor skills in an engaging way.


They're interactive and often throw in choices, letting players safely practice social skills. Expect scenarios that push teamwork, problem-solving, and communication—skills that come in handy every day.

Serious Games What's the Big Deal?
"Stardew Valley" Tackles resource management and social interaction.
"Minecraft" Sparks creativity and teamwork through building.
"TETRIS EFFECT: Connected" Challenges your brain with visual and sound puzzles.
"The Witness" Hones critical thinking with its tricky puzzles.

These games are not just for kicks; they're powerful tools for growth. They can easily be part of indoor activities for those looking for some fun learning. For more ideas, check out interactive games for autistic adults or educational games for autistic adults.


Popular Video Games Choices

Video games can light up the world for autistic adults. They're a great way to have a blast indoors, pick up new skills, and dive into different experiences. Let's look at some game types that fit like a glove for these individuals.



Genre Preferences for Autistic Adults

Autistic adults tend to groove to different genres that align with their interests and needs. Check out some of the winners:

Genre Description
Farming Simulators "Stardew Valley" lets players run their own farm, bringing peace and a satisfying routine.
Sandbox Games With titles like "Minecraft," there's loads of room for exploring and getting creative.
Puzzle Games Engaging picks like "TETRIS EFFECT: Connected" or "Portal 2" test those brain gears with puzzles.
City-Building Simulators "Cities: Skylines" invites you to build up and watch over a bustling metropolis.
Life Simulation Games In "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," there's a life to be lived in a cozy online village.

These genres open up worlds of imagination, strategy, and relaxation, making them fantastic for autistic adults. Need more ideas? Check our guide on interactive games for autistic adults.


Recommended Games for Enjoyment

Here's a bunch of games that could make autistic adults' gaming sessions a joyride:

Game Title Genre Description
Stardew Valley Farming Simulator Dive into a delightful farming experience where managing your land and activities is key.
Minecraft Sandbox Step into a world of limitless creative fun and adventure.
TETRIS EFFECT: Connected Puzzle An awesome twist on the classic game with stunning visuals and sounds.
The Witness Puzzle Adventure Get swept up in a puzzler set in a beautifully crafted world.
Cities: Skylines City-Building Create and nurture a thriving city from the ground up.
XCOM 2 Turn-Based Strategy Wage tactical warfare with strategic thinking and clever strategizing.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Life Simulation Create your own slice of paradise on an island—however you like it.
Journey Artistic Exploration Explore without a care for combat, focusing on the sheer joy of beautiful exploration.
Terraria 2D Sandbox Go on a 2D expedition filled with crafting, exploring, and battling.
Portal 2 Puzzle Think out of the box with inventive puzzles that make use of nifty portal mechanics.

These games are all about good times and mental muscles—perfect for autistic adults chillin’ at home. Looking for more brain-boosting options? Have a peep at our list of educational games for autistic adults.


Fun Indoor Activities

Indoor activities are a great source of entertainment and learning for autistic adults. Baking, cooking classes, and video game tournaments are two of the top picks.


Baking and Cooking Classes

Cooking up something tasty isn’t just a blast; it's also a fantastic way to build motor skills, spark creativity, and improve sensory processing. These classes give autistic adults the chance to learn important life skills while having the joy of whipping up yummy dishes. Sticking to a recipe helps with focus and attention to detail—super important in the kitchen. As Steady Strides ABA points out, creating meals can boost confidence and give a nice sense of accomplishment.

Perks of Baking and Cooking Classes
Sharpens Motor Skills
Sparks Creativity
Hones Sensory Processing
Builds Life Skills
Boosts Confidence

Joining these hands-on activities also opens doors to social interactions, be it with classmates or instructors, in a friendly environment.


Video Game Tournaments

Video game tournaments are another exciting way to get autistic adults involved. These competitions can help with social interaction, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Often playing in teams, participants get to feel a sense of belonging and teamwork. The thrill of friendly competition encourages skill-building in a fun atmosphere.



Popular game types include puzzles, adventures, and strategy games. These often test problem-solving skills and can promote teamwork through cooperative play.

Game Type Perks
Puzzle Games Boosts Critical Thinking
Adventure Games Fosters Creativity and Exploration
Strategy Games Develops Planning and Resource Management

Tournaments are a perfect spot for building friendships while enjoying engaging play. If you're searching for more indoor activities, you might want to check out interactive games for autistic adults and sensory-friendly games for autistic adults.


Creative and Expressive Activities

Jumping into creative and expressive activities can truly let autistic adults dive into their interests and share their thoughts and emotions. Workshops and hands-on projects aren't just fun—they're also a great way to develop new skills.


Creative Writing Workshops

Creative writing workshops open the door for autistic adults to share their stories and ideas through words. Being part of these workshops can boost communication skills, making it easier for them to share what's on their minds. Writing doesn't just help get thoughts on paper; it's also a way to clear the mind and stretch those thinking muscles.


Here's why creative writing is the cat's pajamas:

Benefit Description
Enhances Communication Helps get thoughts and feelings out clearly.
Encourages Self-Discovery Lets folks explore and figure out who they are.
Improves Cognitive Skills Gives a workout to critical thinking and creativity.
Provides Emotional Relief Acts like a personal therapy session to process emotions.

At the end of the day, creative writing workshops are a fun and effective way to help autistic adults sharpen their skills and enjoy themselves.


DIY Arts and Crafts

DIY arts and crafts are another fantastic way to let creativity flow while honing fine motor skills. Whether it's painting, drawing, or crafting, these activities can be both calming and joyful for autistic adults. Plus, they shine a light on different ways to get artsy:

Art Medium Description
Painting Explores color and brush techniques for creative expression.
Drawing Turns basic skills into coordination and artistic expression.
Sculpting with Clay Offers a hands-on, 3D approach that tickles the tactile senses.
Collage Creation Mixes textures and materials, promoting a sensory fiesta.

These art and craft projects don't just let autistic adults express themselves—they also create chances for social interaction, especially when done in groups. Activities that let them engage their senses can really amp up the experience. For more activities that are hands-on and fun, take a peek at what we have on interactive games for autistic adults and games for adults with autism.


Physical and Recreational Activities

Let's talk about why moving around and having some fun is super important for autistic adults. Think yoga, meditation, and plain ol’ exercise – they're the golden trio for keeping everyone on track to feeling better all around.


Yoga and Meditation Sessions

Yoga and meditation? Oh, they are game changers! Especially for autistic adults. It’s like hitting 'refresh' for your mind and body. These practices help folks get in sync with themselves, chilling out stress and keeping focus sharp. Studies even say they beef up those motor skills and cut down on the stress.


When you add mindfulness into the mix, it's magic for managing emotions and behaviors. Deep breaths, gentle moves – it’s all about feeling the chill and getting comfy in your skin. Here's the scoop on yoga and meditation goodies:

Benefit Description
Enhanced Body Awareness Gets you more in tune with yourself
Stress Reduction Knocks the anxiety and stress down a peg
Improved Focus Helps zero in on mindfulness
Better Motor Skills Boosts coordination with moves

Sticking yoga and meditation into your day can turn ordinary into delightful. If you're hunting for more stuff to try, check out some interactive games for autistic adults.



Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Getting physical isn’t just about the sweat; it’s about feeling good all around, especially for autistic adults. Regular workouts can tone down some repetitive actions and aggressive vibes, and they bring an overall life upgrade.


Indoor routines make a big splash, upping coordination, relieving stress, and boosting self-awareness. Short and sweet bursts of activity do wonders for both body and mind.


Here’s what getting physical can do for you:

Benefit Impact
Reduced Stereotypical Behaviors Cuts down on repetitive actions
Increased Activity Levels Pumps up energy and engagement
Improved Quality of Life Makes the daily grind more enjoyable
Stress Reduction Lightens the mood, lowers the anxiety

Families looking to weave physical fun into everyday life can try combining enjoyment with movement. Give sensory-friendly games for autistic adults or organized sports a go. Adding in some motion keeps spirits high and bodies healthy, bringing joy to every step for autistic adults.

Looking for Expert Help? We're Here for You!

Our compassionate and skilled team is devoted to enhancing your child's development through customized ABA therapy. Let us partner with you to create a supportive environment for your child's success. 

Discover how we can help your family thrive with expert ABA therapy.

Contact Us

Related Posts

A family sitting with an ABA therapist, an autistic girl shaking hands while holding a bear in NE.
By Laura NG, MA BCBA Clinical Operations Manager February 1, 2025
Learn the best strategies for communicating with parents in ABA therapy to build trust, encourage collaboration, and support their autistic child’s progress.
Autistic students sitting in a circle outdoors on a field, engaging in an activity in Nebraska.
By Laura NG, MA BCBA Clinical Operations Manager February 1, 2025
Discover the latest autism statistics in GA and NE for 2025, including prevalence rates, trends, and key insights that shape our understanding of autism today.
Steve Jobs on stage delivering a presentation, with an Apple logo displayed in the background.
By Laura NG, MA BCBA Clinical Operations Manager January 31, 2025
Did Steve Jobs have autism? Learn about the possible connection between Steve Jobs and autism, and how it may have influenced his genius and leadership.
An RBT aspirant searching RBT exam results on a laptop while holding an open book in Nebraska.
By Laura NG, MA BCBA Clinical Operations Manager January 31, 2025
Unsure if you passed your RBT exam online? Learn how to check your results and what steps to take next in the certification process. Get the details here!
BCBA student seated at a table, holding a mock BCBA exam while studying on a laptop in Georgia.
By Laura NG, MA BCBA Clinical Operations Manager January 31, 2025
Learn common reasons many people fail the BCBA exam and uncover strategies and tips to boost your chances of success. Start preparing effectively today!
Autistic children sitting at a table, engaging in a discussion with smiles and a chalkboard in GA.
By Laura NG, MA BCBA Clinical Operations Manager January 29, 2025
Discover strategies for promoting neurodiversity in autism education. Learn how inclusive practices foster a supportive learning environment for all students.
More Posts
Share by: