Occupational therapy

Here are effective midline-crossing activities for children with ASD, designed to improve bilateral coordination, body awareness, and brain integration: ⸻ ⭐ Midline Crossing Activities for ASD Children 1. Cross-Crawl Exercise • Touch right hand to left knee and left hand to right knee. • Do it slowly first, then gradually increase speed. • Great for brain integration and attention. ⸻ 2. Figure-8 Tracing • Use chalk-marker to draw large horizontal “∞” shape. • Child traces it with one hand, then with both hands together. • Can also do in the air using hand or ribbon. ⸻ 3. Windmill Toe Touch • Stand with legs apart. • Right hand touches left foot, left hand touches right foot. • Encourages trunk rotation + midline crossing. ⸻ 4. Ball Pass Across Body • Sit or stand. • Adult gives ball on one side; child passes it to bucket placed on the opposite side. • Can use bean bags, toys, or blocks. ⸻ 5. Ribbon or Scarf Movements • Use a scarfor ribbon to make: • Rainbow arcs (left to right) • X-shapes • Crossing loops • Encourages smooth cross-body movement. ⸻ 6. Cross-Body Peg or Sticker Activity • Place a pegboard or wall stickers on one side. • Child uses opposite hand to place or remove items. • Example: Stickers on left wall → child uses right hand. ⸻ 7. Midline Ball Tapping • Hold a ball in front of the child at midline. • Ask child to tap with alternating hands (R-L-R-L). • Improves motor planning + eye-hand coordination. ⸻ 8. Tunnel & Reach Activity • Child crawls through a tunnel. • At the exit, objects are placed in a mixed arrangement. • Child reaches across body to pick specific items and drop in a bucket. ⸻ 9. Crossing Path Walking • Create taped lines on floor in criss-cross (X shape). • Child walks following the lines, stepping across the body. • Good for gross motor coordination. ⸻ 10. Drumming Across Midline • Place 2 drums or pots on opposite sides. • Child taps right drum with left hand and left drum with right hand. • Fun + rhythmic sensory input. ⸻ 💡 Tips for Better Results • Start with slow, guided movements. • Encourage visual tracking of hands during crossing. • Combine with music or timers to increase engagement. • Integrate into daily play routines for consistency.