Autism Friendly Activities in Australia

At Homage, we pride ourselves on being the experts in care, so we understand how important it is to caregivers that their loved ones lead a fulfilling, happy, healthy life. If you have a close friend or family member who is on the autism spectrum, you may know the challenges of looking for fun autism friendly activities that can cater to your loved one’s sensory needs. Popular holiday activities and recreational outings can often pose a challenge to people with autism, with loud noises, large crowds, and bright lights just some of the environmental factors that could turn your fun day out into a sensory nightmare for your loved one. Luckily, there is no longer any need for you and your family to miss out on enjoyable outings and activities. As a society we have come a long way towards true inclusion and celebration of diversity, including all those who exist on the neurodiversity spectrum.

This increased awareness, combined with initiatives like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) means that individuals with autism now have more choice and control over how they spend their free time than ever before. That said, it can be challenging to find local activities that can cater to you and your family’s needs. Here are some ideas for autism-friendly activities that you and your loved ones can enjoy together in Australia. 

Autism friendly sensory activities in the great outdoors

Getting out into nature can be incredible for our mental and physical health, providing a much needed opportunity to unplug from our busy, screen-filled lives. Experiencing nature in a safe, supportive and accessible way may even have specific developmental benefits for people on the autism spectrum. Emerging research suggests that exposure to nature can have benefits for children with autism, including improvements to emotional, social and motor-sensory development. However, mainstream outdoor activities often also pose barriers and risks that may deter people on the autism spectrum and their loved ones from engaging in nature. If you or someone dear to you is interested in autism-friendly outdoor activities, the following ideas might be exactly what you need.

Nearer to Nature Program – Western Australia

Nearer to Nature offers community activities to people living in the Perth area and across diverse areas within Western Australia. Supported by the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the program provides a unique opportunity for children and adults of all abilities to connect with the beautiful nature and wildlife in the region’s parks. From school based activities, to Bush Ranger programs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Find out more about this program or book activities online to get your loved one out and about, experiencing the healing benefits of nature.

Sensory Farm Experience – Eden Farm Wellness, Victoria

Eden Farm Wellness is a place that welcomes all people to experience the joys and benefits of life on a farm. Their individual programs for individuals with disability range from assisting with animal care, tending to vegetables and other crops, fencing skills, sensory trails and gardens, to bee keeping and music programs. Spending time on a farm, especially when it includes interactions with animals, may have some promising benefits for reducing stress levels and enhancing the social skills of children on the autism spectrum. However, some farms can also pose risks to the safety and comfort of people with sensory needs. Eden Farm Wellness can tailor their experiences to what you and your family are seeking, and may be eligible to utilise NDIS funding where applicable.

Sensory Garden – New South Wales

Sensory Gardens are becoming more popular across Australia and internationally, as their potential to provide healing and mental health benefits become more widely known. They offer an inclusive, safe and engaging space for all people to enjoy and connect with nature. Sensory gardens, such as the one found at Terilbah Reserve in New South Wales, are great places to enjoy a picnic or day trip with the whole family. With plenty of interactive flora to explore, great views, and fully wheelchair accessible pathways, this is the perfect spot for an outing for families with members of all ages and abilities. Finding a local sensory garden near you is usually only a web search away, so why not get out into nature this weekend?

Art and craft activities for people with autism

Getting creative can be a great way to express oneself, relax, and build new, fun skills with loved ones or whilst making new friends. Art may even have a potentially therapeutic role for young people on the autism spectrum. Some early research suggests that art therapy can assist with promoting positive social behaviour, and may assist with skill development among individuals on the spectrum. If you want to get involved in art programs with your loved one, these inclusive and accessible programs may be just what you are seeking.

One&All – Full and Half Day Social Art Programs – NSW

One&All is a creative hub for people of all abilities to connect, be empowered and heal through creative activities. Focussing on people aged 18-35 years, the One&All Hub offers a range of programs, from ceramics, painting and drawing, yoga, meditation, dance and gardening. With half day or full day programs to choose from, you and your family will be provided with all the creative materials you need on the day, as well as a sandwich lunch included in the program fee. They also operate a cafe onsite where you can support the work of their other participants whilst enjoying a hot coffee or delicious treat. To ensure you get the most out of your visit, when making a booking you will have the opportunity to discuss your needs and goals with a staff member to ensure the experience is tailored to you, ensuring maximum enjoyment for you and your loved one.

Performing arts programs and classes

The performing arts is an amazing way to channel your creativity, self-expression, and playfulness. It can also be a potentially therapeutic tool to offer a safe, supportive environment to interact with peers, develop confidence with speaking and communicating publicly, and build important skills and self-esteem for later in life. Mainstream theatre programs have become more inclusive in recent years, so it is always worth speaking to your local community theatre about whether it would be a good fit for your loved one. If a disability-specific theatre program is more appealing, there are plenty of options for you to consider. Perform-Ability offers in-person classes in New South Wales for inclusive singing and dancing programs, and now offers online classes so you can take part from wherever you live.

The Westside Circus in Melbourne, Victoria have created an autism-friendly circus workshop program to bring the joy of performance and circus arts to children of all abilities. In South Australia, the No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability has created inclusive, collaborative weekly theatre workshops designed to delight and empower. From creative writing, to drama and theatre productions, these programs are designed and delivered in partnership with participants, to ensure it is a safe, enjoyable and empowering experience for all involved. For more information about accessible arts near you, consider contacting your local Arts Access Australia branch for more information about local opportunities.

Autistic friendly cinemas and museum tours

Australian cinemas, galleries and museums, with their rich and vibrant art and culture, should be enjoyed by all. However, they can be challenging for families in which one or more members live on the autism spectrum. Navigating large crowds, bright lights and feeling concerned about your loved one’s behaviour or sensory needs can be disruptive to your experience. Fortunately, many museums around the country now offer extra support to those with sensory needs. The Australian museum in New South Wales offers autistic friendly early bird sessions, allowing people to enjoy its exhibitions before mainstream crowds can enter. Limits to patron numbers are applied to allow plenty of space and time, and they also offer extra support such as staff with disability awareness training, a quiet space if you or a loved one need a break, and a visual story to help people on the spectrum feel comfortable that they know what to expect from their visit. Similar support options can be requested at various museums in most states, including the South Australia museum, Scienceworks and the Melbourne Museum in Victoria, and the Queensland museum. Large mainstream cinema providers such as Hoyts and Village now also offer selected sensory-friendly screenings, where the volume and lighting is adjusted for greater sensory comfort, so you and your loved one can enjoy the latest films in a safe and supportive environment. 

Connection and community

Connecting with others socially is an important part of our social and emotional wellbeing and development. Unfortunately, people living on the autism spectrum can be at a greater risk of loneliness and isolation than neurotypical individuals. This is where dedicated, inclusive support networks and social opportunities can make a huge difference. Autism-specific organisations like Amaze are a great central starting point for people on the spectrum, their carers, family and friends to connect and share life experiences. Use their interactive online search tool, Autism Connect, to find groups in your neighbourhood, or speak to one of their friendly advisors about assistance to start your own support group. Aspect Australia is another nationwide support service for people on the spectrum, and offers a range of social and community-based support programs for groups and individuals. 

The I CAN Network

The I CAN Network is a central point of support for people with autism and their families with a key difference: half of their staff identify as autistic, and people with lived experience of autism are at the heart of all decision-making. Their programs are designed by and for autistic people, offering mentoring and skills development workshops that are specifically tailored to the unique strengths and needs of each participant. Advice and support is also available for parents, as well as a range of online support and information resources.

Sensory-friendly sport and recreation

Staying active is important for all of us, regardless of age or ability. Physical activity can have wonderful benefits for our physical health, emotional wellbeing and social life. Unfortunately, social stigma and a lack of accessible sporting opportunities mean that young people on the autism spectrum participate in physical activity at lower rates than neurotypical children and adolescents. This may reflect a great missed opportunity for physical, social and emotional development, as sport may have communication and social benefits for autistic individuals. In light of this, organisations like the Sporting Network of Autistic People & Parents (SNAPP), are working hard to create more inclusive sporting opportunities for those on the spectrum. To find sport and recreational activities for your loved one in your area, consider connecting with peak bodies such as Access All Abilities in Victoria, or Sport Inclusion Australia.

Technology and computer-based autistic friendly activities

Gaming, technology and computers are a popular source of entertainment, skill building and socialisation for neurotypical and neurodiverse people alike. Some research even suggests promising opportunities to harness the interactivity of computer games for use in therapeutic intervention for young people on the autism spectrum. As a result, exciting innovations in the gaming and autism space are emerging. GameAware offers an online, Australia-wide program for neurodiverse gamers and their family members. The program is run over Zoom, with trained facilitators to help ensure a positive gaming experience that is understood and engaging for the whole family. Navigating the complex and ever-changing world of online gaming can be intimidating, so reach out for more information to see if this is the right choice for your family. Many large online gaming communities are also becoming more inclusive, with online Minecraft clubs and Dungeons and Dragons programs always open to new members of all abilities.

If your loved one has a passion for computers, The Lab may be another good place for you to start getting more involved. The Lab is a non profit network of technology clubs for children and young people on the autism spectrum. Offering mentors by professionals in areas like gaming, digital design and programming, The Lab can open your eyes to a world of new possibilities for your loved one, with labs operating across Australia offering a fun and supportive environment for your loved one to explore new skills and interests. 

Carer and family support groups

When taking care of a beloved friend or family member, it can sometimes be easy to forget to check in with ourselves. Carer burnout and stress can be a serious health issue, so don’t wait until you are really struggling before reaching out for help. Support from peak bodies such as Carers Australia can connect you with information and support services, or help you find groups of other parents to connect and share experiences with. As much as we love spending time with our loved ones, it is also okay to need a break. Considering short-term respite care can be a great way to unplug, recharge your batteries and take care of your own needs, so that you can be in a better place to take excellent care of those who matter the most to you. Our team of dedicated, caring professionals are ready to step in so that you can take a break with the peace of mind that your loved one is in safe, capable hands.