Navigating extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities help children explore their interests, develop their talents, and build social skills.

For autistic children and teenagers, these activities can create a sense of belonging, improve self-worth, and encourage social interactions and friendships with people who share the same or similar interests.

Benefits of extracurricular activities

Routine and structure

Autistic people often find comfort in routines, and an extracurricular activity that offers structure and predictability can be very affirming.

Development of interests and talents

Whatever the activity, participating in clubs and groups helps autistic people discover and develop their strengths, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

Social interaction

Extracurricular activities provide a structured environment for autistic people to meet and interact with people who share their interests. This can be incredibly affirming, reduce feelings of social isolation, and make forming friendships less daunting.‍

Social skill development

Autistic children and teenagers can develop and practise social skills, such as understanding social cues, when they attend groups, clubs, or similar activities. 

Finding extracurricular activities

The ideal extracurricular activity will reveal your child’s strengths while encouraging them to push themselves and grow while feeling involved and valued. When researching extracurricular activities, you might like to look for inclusive or specifically designed programs for autistic individuals - your state or territory autism organisation will have more information. Local council websites and other community resources can help you find inclusive activities in your area. 

Discussing potential activities with your child is an important first step. Consider both solo and group activities that could interest your child, such as reading, drawing, team sports or games groups. It’s also worth exploring new activities that may not have been considered before, potentially uncovering hidden interests or talents. Activities should match your child's social and cognitive abilities. For some, this might mean more structured and less competitive environments where they can enjoy participation without too much pressure. Ensure you are also mindful of your child’s sensory sensitivities. Activities should not only be accessible in terms of physical needs but also comfortable from a sensory perspective.

Before attending or enrolling in an activity, communicate with organisers about your child's strengths and areas where they might need support. Understanding how they will accommodate and support your child can help you make an informed decision. If your child is anxious about attending an activity for the first time, having a family member or friend accompany them initially can help reduce their anxiety. You might be able to reduce this support over time as your child becomes more comfortable in their surroundings. 

If the group is not specifically tailored for autistic individuals, discussing with your child whether they wish to share their autism diagnosis can prepare them and others for better mutual understanding. This provides your child with a valuable chance to start expressing their own needs if they choose to, an important skill as they transition into adulthood.  

Advocacy is vital in ensuring your child can access and enjoy these activities. Whether it’s you, a member of staff, or another support person, having someone advocate for your child's inclusion is essential. This ensures your child can participate fully and benefit from all the activities and services their peers enjoy. 

Extracurricular activity ideas

If you’re not sure which activities your child might enjoy, consider some of the suggestions below: 

• Scouts and guides: These groups are great for children who thrive in structured environments and enjoy hands-on activities. They also provide a sense of progression and achievement through badges and other rewards.
• Sports: Whether it's team sports like soccer and basketball or individual sports like swimming and martial arts, sports are excellent for physical health, teamwork, goal-setting and social interaction.
• Creative and performing arts: From drama clubs to music and dance classes, the arts offer a platform for self-expression and creativity.
• Special interest clubs: These clubs allow children to engage deeply with their passions, whether it’s astronomy, chess, or video gaming.
• Outdoor activities: Activities like archery or skating can provide different challenges and skills and are a great option for children who love the outdoors.
• Volunteering: Whether it’s done regularly with a local group or on special occasions, volunteering can be a wonderful way for your child to give back to the community while building skills and confidence.

The role of schools

Schools are key in providing accessible and supportive environments for autistic students to explore their interests. By offering a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, schools can cater to diverse interests, from computing and chess to sports and the arts. Participation in these activities at school enables autistic students to:

• Build friendships with other students who share similar interests.
• Develop a sense of community and belonging within the school environment.
• Achieve successes that are celebrated within the school, boosting their confidence.

Parents/carers and schools both play critical roles in ensuring these opportunities are accessible and tailored to meet the unique needs of young autistic individuals. Consider the points above when working with your child’s school to find an extracurricular activity that suits their passions.