Finding autism activities in Edmonton that are both enjoyable and developmentally stimulating can feel like a challenge. At Entrust Disability Services, we understand. With over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with autism, we've seen firsthand the power of engaging activities to build confidence, social skills, and a love for learning.

This guide will explore a variety of autism activities in Edmonton, from structured programs to fun outings, all designed to create lasting memories for your child and the whole family. We'll also highlight how Entrust's respite care and support services can empower your family to access and participate in these activities with confidence.

Sensory-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in Edmonton

Finding autism activities in Edmonton that cater to sensory needs can be a relief for both parents and children. Thankfully, several Edmonton schools open their doors after hours to offer  sensory-friendly play areas and programs. These spaces typically feature:

• Sensory rooms with calming lighting, soft textures, and noise-cancelling materials.
• Quiet spaces for relaxation and decompression.
• Educational play equipment that encourages exploration and learning through play.
• Structured activities led by trained professionals.

Entrust's supportive staff can accompany your child to these programs, providing one-on-one assistance and creating a positive experience. This allows you to relax and enjoy the opportunity to connect with other families while your child benefits from structured activities in a sensory-friendly environment.

We Rock the Spectrum offers a welcoming and inclusive space for children with autism, providing a variety of sensory-friendly activities and calming areas to support their unique needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:

• Sensory-friendly environment: Designed to cater to sensory needs, reducing overstimulation.
• Variety of activities: Offers a range of play options, accommodating different developmental levels and interests.
• Calming spaces: Provides quiet areas for self-regulation and relaxation.
• Inclusive atmosphere: Welcomes children of all abilities, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Experienced staff: Understands the unique needs of children with autism, providing support and guidance.

The Centre for Autism Services Alberta and the City of Edmonton offer a variety of fitness programs tailored to the needs of individuals with autism. These programs, held at the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre, cater to different age groups and skill levels.

For children:

• Basketballers: A fun and supportive environment for kids aged 6-12 to learn basketball skills and teamwork.
• Kickstart Soccer: A great introduction to soccer for children aged 6-12, focusing on skill development and game concepts.

For teens and adults:

• Basketballers 2: A non-competitive program for teens aged 13-17 to develop basketball skills and enjoy the game.
• Active for Life: A fitness program for individuals aged 16-29 led by certified trainers, providing guidance and support in a welcoming environment.

Therapeutic Movement Sessions at Edmonton Learning Centres

Therapeutic movement sessions offered by Edmonton learning centres can be another fantastic option for autism activities in Edmonton. These specialized programs combine physical activity with educational games and adaptive learning techniques to help children with autism develop essential motor skills.

These programs often include:

• Structured movement exercises designed to improve coordination, balance, and gross motor skills.
• Educational games that incorporate physical activity to reinforce learning objectives.
• Physical therapy techniques tailored to address individual needs.

Entrust's experienced support workers can assist your child in these sessions, providing encouragement, guidance, and ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.

Library Storytime Programs for Children with Autism

Edmonton libraries offer fantastic autism activities in Edmonton through specialized storytime programs designed for children on the spectrum. These programs often cater to sensory needs by providing:

• Reading circles in quiet spaces with limited distractions.
• Autism-friendly materials like social stories that help prepare children for social situations.
• Quiet zones for relaxation and self-regulation.
• Interactive books with engaging textures and sounds.

These programs provide a welcoming environment for children with autism to explore the joy of reading and storytelling.

Here are some Edmonton libraries known for their inclusive storytime programs:

• Stanley Milner Library
• Capilano Branch
• Woodcroft Branch

Social Skills Development Through Library Activities

Beyond storytime, libraries offer a wealth of resources and programs that can support the development of social skills and communication abilities in children with autism. These programs often involve:

• Peer interaction in group activities like book clubs or craft sessions.
• Communication skills development through discussions and presentations.
• Social learning opportunities by participating in role-playing games or collaborative projects.

Entrust's experienced staff can accompany your child to these programs, providing social cues and emotional support, fostering a positive experience and maximizing the learning benefits. This allows you to relax and observe your child's progress in a safe and inclusive environment.

Therapeutic Art Classes at Edmonton Community Centres

Finding autism activities in Edmonton that encourage creative expression can be a rewarding experience for both children and families. Many Edmonton community centres offer fantastic art programs specifically designed for children with autism. These programs often incorporate:

• Sensory art materials that engage multiple senses, like textures, sounds, and smells.
• Creative expression opportunities to explore emotions and ideas through art.
• Family participation, allowing families to bond and create together.

The Centre for Autism Services Alberta offers engaging art programs specifically designed for children with autism. Held at the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, these programs include:

• Fun with Art (Ages 6 to 12): A creative outlet for younger children to explore various art techniques.
• Exploring Art (Ages 13 to 17): A program designed to encourage older teens to express themselves through art.

The Art Gallery of Alberta also offers engaging art programs and tours for all ages, including stroller tours, toddler art classes, and family workshops. 

Art Projects that Support Autism Learning at Edmonton Centres

Engaging in art projects together as a family is a wonderful way to participate in autism activities in Edmonton. These creative activities can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Family bonding through shared experiences and collaborative efforts.
• Sensory exploration by introducing new textures, colours, and materials.
• Artistic expression as a tool for communication and emotional release.
• Group projects that encourage social interaction and collaboration (if appropriate for your child's needs).

Entrust's supportive staff can accompany your child to these art classes, providing one-on-one guidance and fostering a positive learning environment. This allows you to participate alongside your child and celebrate their artistic achievements.

Considering respite care? Entrust offers a variety of respite services to provide you with a well-deserved break while your child enjoys fun and engaging activities.

Nature Exploration Programs in Edmonton Area

Edmonton boasts beautiful natural spaces that offer fantastic opportunities for autism activities in Edmonton. Exploring the outdoors can provide numerous benefits for children with autism, including:

• Improved sensory processing: Nature's calming sounds and textures can be very soothing.
• Increased physical activity: Outdoor exploration encourages movement and gross motor skills development.
• Enhanced environmental learning: Nature programs can spark curiosity and teach valuable ecological lessons.

Here are some Edmonton organizations that offer autism-friendly nature programs:

• John Janzen Nature Centre: Immerse yourself in nature's wonders and learn about urban ecology through engaging programs and exhibits.
• Fort Saskatchewan Sheep: Experience the unique charm of city sheep grazing in local parks, a sustainable and heartwarming sight for visitors of all ages.
• Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues: Participate in seasonal nature walks and outdoor events throughout the year.

Guided Nature Discovery Tours for Autism Learning

Structured outdoor programs offered by these organizations often include:

• Nature education tailored to the needs of children with autism, focusing on visual aids and clear communication.
• Guided activities that involve exploring different natural elements, fostering curiosity and engagement.
• Development of outdoor skills like hiking etiquette and basic nature observation techniques.
• Heightened environmental awareness about local flora and fauna, sparking a love for the natural world.

Entrust Disability Services can provide one-on-one support for your child during these outdoor programs. Our staff can help with social interaction, safety awareness, and sensory processing needs, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for everyone.

Looking for respite care? Entrust offers a variety of services to provide you with a well-deserved break while your child enjoys the wonders of the outdoors.

Swimming & Water Activities for Autism Development

Edmonton boasts several pools offering fantastic autism activities in Edmonton through aquatic programs. The calming and supportive environment of water can provide numerous benefits for children with autism, including:

• Improved motor skills: Water provides gentle resistance, promoting muscle development and coordination.
• Sensory stimulation: The buoyancy and textures of water can be very calming and provide unique sensory input.
• Enhanced social interaction: Family swim sessions can encourage social engagement in a playful and familiar setting.

Here are some Edmonton recreation centres known for their inclusive aquatic programs:

• ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre: Provides inclusive aquatic programs and family swim times, catering to the needs of individuals with autism through sensory-friendly environments and trained staff.
• Terwillegar Recreation Centre: Offers adaptive swimming lessons and family swim times specifically designed for children with autism.

Family Swimming Sessions at Edmonton Recreation Centres

Participating in family swim sessions with your child can be a rewarding autism activity in Edmonton. These programs often include:

• Water safety instruction tailored to the needs of children with autism, focusing on clear communication and visual aids.
• Aquatic activities designed for fun and engagement, fostering a positive association with water.
• Support from trained professionals who can assist with pool access, movement in the water, and sensory processing throughout the session.

Need respite care? Entrust Disability Services can provide one-on-one support for your child during recreational swimming activities. Our staff can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Music Therapy Groups at Edmonton Learning Centres

Edmonton offers enriching autism activities in Edmonton through music therapy programs designed for children with autism. Music therapy can be a powerful tool for:

• Improving communication and social skills through interactive musical activities and shared experiences.
• Enhancing emotional regulation by providing a safe space for expression and emotional release through music.
• Developing motor skills through rhythm exercises and instrument play.

Here are some Edmonton learning centers that offer music therapy programs for children with autism:

• Sarah McLachlan School of Music: Provides group music therapy sessions tailored to different age groups and developmental needs.
• Solful Music Therapy: Enriching lives through music therapy services tailored to various settings, including daycares, schools, hospitals, senior homes, group homes, and day programs.
• Honey Bee Music Therapy: Personalized music therapy services for individuals of all ages, addressing a wide range of needs including pain management, autism, dementia, developmental disabilities, emotional difficulties, and more.

Interactive Music Sessions for Family Participation

These music therapy programs often involve families participating in autism activities in Edmonton together. Here's how these interactive sessions benefit everyone:

• Strengthening family bonds through shared musical experiences and joyful moments.
• Promoting communication and social interaction between family members in a fun and engaging setting.
• Providing sensory exploration with various instruments and sounds, catering to different sensory preferences.

Imagine the Possibilities with Entrust by Your Side

While exploring these autism activities in Edmonton, consider Entrust Disability Services as your partner. Our respite care services provide one-on-one support, creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Entrust goes beyond respite care. We offer programs like our Adult Day Program to empower individuals with autism throughout their lives. Be sure to explore funding options, such as the Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FCSD) program, before applying for Entrust's services.
Ready to create lasting memories?Book a free consultation with Entrust today! Let's discover the perfect autism activities in Edmonton for your loved one and explore how Entrust can support your family's journey.

About the Author

Adam Paull

Born, raised, and educated right here in Edmonton, Adam Paull has found a home at Entrust giving back to a community that has given so much to him. Adam has come by this line of work very honestly, as the son of a Special Education Teacher, gaining the experience to work with individuals with developmental delays at a young age. Adam was hired at Entrust as a Community Support Worker, spent time as a Mentor in the FFL Program, and is now lucky enough to be a part of the tremendous Service Manager team.