The autism activities handbook : activities to help kids communicate, make friends, and learn life skills / Catherine Pascuas.

"Catherine Pascuas, host of The Autism Show podcast." -- Cover.

Chapter 1: Communication -- Finish the song (imitations and interactions) -- Learning new words (building vocabulary) -- Using bubbles to further communication (talking in sentences) -- Squish! (talking in sentences) -- Masked characters (asking / answering personal questions) -- Food monster (asking / answering "what" questions -- Memory card game (advanced communication) -- How do I feel? (expressing emotive information) -- Theater speak (intonation) -- Insect photo sharing (advanced communication) -- Joint attention (advanced communication) -- Chapter 2: Social skills -- What are social skills? -- Where am I looking? (eye contact) -- Follow my voice (following directions) -- The action rock game (taking turns) -- Getting ready for a playdate (playing with friends and siblings) -- Belly breaths (starting a playdate with exercise) -- Beanbag and basket toss (educational playdate activity) -- Puppet play (creative playdate activity) -- Whiteboard faces (emotional recognition) -- The feeling jar (sharing emotions and feelings) -- Photoshoot connections (showing interest in others) -- Measuring tape fun (showing interest in others) -- Chapter 3: Life skills -- Bite-sized guess (eating) -- Chewy necklace (unwanted chewing) -- Making a fidget (emotional regulation) -- Focus obstacle course (focus and attention) -- Exercises for anxiety (regulating feelings of anxiety) -- Fishing fun (movement) -- Food painting (fine motor skills) -- Whack the ball (gross motor skills) -- Up and down on the elevator (hand-over-hand gross motor skills) -- Body coordination activities (bilateral coordination) -- Core crab walk (stomach exercises) -- About the author -- Resources -- The Autism Show podcast -- Kickstarter.

More than 30 games and activities help the child on the spectrum: follow directions, stay focused, and strengthen motor skills; interact with peers and develop social skills needed for playdates; build vocabulary, expand communication, and answer questions.