Occupational therapy

Here are simple, practical, and therapy-based hand–leg coordination activities suitable for children with ASD. These help improve bilateral coordination, motor planning, timing, and body awareness. ⸻ Hand–Leg Coordination Activities for ASD 1. Cross-Crawl (Opposite Hand to Opposite Knee) • Touch right hand to left knee, then left hand to right knee. • Great for brain integration and midline crossing. ⸻ 2. March and Tap • Child marches in place. • Tap the lifted knee with the same hand or opposite hand. • Start slow → increase rhythm. ⸻ 3. Ball Tap + Step • Place a medium ball on the floor. • Child steps forward and taps the ball with hand, then steps back. • Alternate hands and legs. ⸻ 4. Bean Bag Toss + Step Forward • Child holds a bean bag. • Takes a step forward with the left leg → throws with right hand. • Then step with right leg → throw with left hand. • Trains coordination + motor planning. ⸻ 5. Drumming on Knees While Walking • Child walks slowly and taps knees alternately: • Right knee → left knee → right knee. ⸻ 6. Balloon “Tap & Kick” • Tap the balloon with hand. • Let it come down → kick gently with leg. • Continue hand tap → leg kick → hand tap… ⸻ 7. Animal Walks (Excellent for Coordination) ✔ Bear walk (hands and feet on ground) ✔ Crab walk (hands + feet support body) ✔ Donkey kicks ✔ Frog jumps + hand touch on floor Animal walks naturally integrate hand–leg sequencing. ⸻ 8. Obstacle Course (Hand + Leg Tasks Combined) Include: • Stepping stones • Crawling tunnel • Hand target stickers • Jump + High-five actions This helps sequencing multiple body parts. ⸻ 9. Step-and-Push Wall Game • Child steps forward with one leg • Push the wall with both hands • Step back → repeat with opposite leg • Good for proprioception + coordination. ⸻ 10. Climbing Activities • Ladder climbing • Small climbing wall • Rope climbing (with support) These force coordinated hand–leg alternating movements. ⸻ 11. Scooter Board Pull • Child sits on scooter board • Pulls using rope with hands • Legs help push-steer • Strengthens bilateral coordination and planning. ⸻ 12. Rhythm-Based Hand–Leg Movements Use music or a metronome: • Tap thighs + stamp feet • Tap right hand + left foot, then switch • Do patterns (1-2-1-2) ⸻