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Shaping everyday life

Leisure in autism: activities and interests

Who is it for? For parents of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and for adults on the spectrum who want to shape their leisure time.

In brief

The 2021 S3 guideline recommended supporting children and adolescents in developing active and balanced leisure behaviour that matches their individual needs. [1, Rec. 118] For group activities, it named four features: a focus on the participants' interests, regular meetings with a particular activity, guidance by professionals who know about autism, and an emphasis on structure and support. [1, Rec. 118, 119] The guideline expired on 23.03.2026. [2]

This English translation was produced with AI assistance and has not yet been independently reviewed.

Status of the guideline: This article uses the S3 guideline on therapy (2021). It expired on 23.03.2026. [2] The statements are not automatically wrong, but they are not backed by a valid guideline.

Children and adolescents

The guideline recommended promoting social interaction, among other things, with autism-specific group or individual therapy. In addition, group activities from general providers (school, parish, sports clubs, facilities for people with disabilities) can be helpful. If taking part in a group is not possible, time-limited individual support by adults for active leisure can be given. In general, the aim should be for children and adolescents to spend their leisure time with peers. [1, Rec. 118]

Adults

If an adult on the autism spectrum is socially isolated, according to the guideline a group-based offer to promote active leisure behaviour can be offered. If taking part in a group is not possible, individual guidance for active leisure can be given as an alternative. [1, Rec. 119] The guideline relies here on recommendations of a British guideline. [1, Rec. 119]

Features of good group activities

  • Focus on the interests of the participants,
  • regular meetings at which a particular leisure activity is carried out,
  • guidance by a person who knows about autism (for children and adolescents in group therapy: by therapists trained in treating children and adolescents),
  • emphasis on structure and support.

These are the contents named in the guideline. [1, Rec. 118, 119]

What else you should know

  • Leisure is self-determined. The guideline described leisure as time that is not determined by others and named as core areas measures against social isolation, dealing with unstructured, unpredictable time and improving quality of life. [1, Ch. C.10.5]
  • Structure can help. More on this: Routines and structure in everyday life.
  • Specific activities (clubs, groups) near you are not listed here. Advice centres help with the search: Finding advice.

Note: This article offers general information. It does not replace personal advice or treatment by professionals.

Sources and literature

  1. DGKJP, DGPPN et al. Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Teil 2: Therapie. S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Stand Text 02.05.2021 (Empf. 118, 119; Kap. C.10.5). – Guideline (in German); expired on 23 March 2026 (see no. 2)
  2. DGKJP. Aktuelle Leitlinien (Eintrag 028-047: „Gültig bis 23.03.2026“). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)

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