Activities for adults with special needs range from music, art, and sports to occupational therapy and socialization. When selecting activities for adults with special needs, it’s important to consider the individual’s capabilities. Some of the activities may be self-directed, while others are facilitated by a professional.
It is important to note that adults with special needs, especially those with high-functioning autism, may experience certain difficulties in pursuing activities. Taking this into account, the following list includes a wide variety of activities for adults with special needs to pursue.
We’re committed to helping you find activities that fit your lifestyle, interests, and needs. Do you love animals? We have a great list of animal-related activities. Are you a sports fan? We have great information on sports teams. Are you looking for activities in a particular city? We’ve got you covered.
The mission of Activities for Adults with Special Needs (AASN) is to provide opportunities for adults with special needs to participate in recreational, social, and cultural activities. AASN strives to promote independence and self-esteem while providing a safe environment.
Examples of Activities for Adults with Special Needs
- Art Classes
Art classes are one of our favorite activities for adults with special needs because they promote self-expression and creativity while giving you something tangible to take away from the experience. Learning a new skill like painting or sculpting is also a great way to build confidence, especially when you’re able to share your work with other people.
- Swimming
If you’re looking to get active, swimming is one of the best activities for adults with special needs. It’s low impact, so it’s unlikely to cause muscle strain or joint pain, and the water provides natural resistance that can make any movement easier. Swimming can also be a great way to socialize, as many pools offer group lessons where you can learn new skills and meet new people at the same time.
- Reading
Reading is one of the most rewarding activities for adults with special needs. Not only does reading improve vocabulary and boost memory function by exercising neural pathways in the brain, it’s also an incredibly relaxing.
- Music
for many people with special needs, music can be a powerful way to express oneself. Music therapy is used by many professionals as a way for individuals with special needs to communicate, improve their motor skills, and even learn life skills such as how to brush your teeth or put on your socks.
- Sports
Sports are another fun activity that people with special needs may enjoy. There are various teams and leagues dedicated to accommodating these types of activities so that everyone feels included.
- Collecting Rocks
Collecting rocks is a fun way to spend time outdoors and build a collection of items that bring you joy. If you are unable to go outside, look up pictures online of different rocks and learn about the types of rocks that exist in each part of the world. This is also a great activity for developing motor skills in your hands and fingers.
- Knitting
Knitting is a great activity for those with special needs because it will help improve your motor skills while creating something beautiful. You can create scarves or hats to keep yourself warm during the cold months, or blankets and pillows for your home. Knitting is also a great way to make gifts for friends and family members, or even sell your creations online.
- Baking Cookies
Baking cookies is another great activity for adults with special needs because it combines sensory input with creativity. You can experiment with different recipes until you find one that works best! Once you have created some delicious cookies, share them with friends or family so they can enjoy them too.