Redirecting obsession with water play

[1995SENNDMUM]

My likely autistic son (almost 4) has always loved water but it was always manageable as he would play for a bit and then accept moving on to some thing else.
The past few weeks, it's been constant getting him away from the kitchen sink and trying to offer other play or time in the garden which used to work leading to repeated meltdowns.

He's non verbal and his understanding is very limited so no luck so far with first water then play with something else as a verbal instruction or visuals yet. Any ideas for what I could try?

What does he like doing with the water? Is it pouring?

yes, pouring from containers and splashing in general.

Could you try an activity with a tray underneath using jugs to pour dry ingredients like pasta, rice etc. from one jug to another?

Or something like a now and next board?

I think there are lots of things that might give similar stimulus. Sand pictures, marble runs, etc etc. on the who,e it’s better to move towards something than to try to stop something, so find more desirable toys.

I can certainly give other things to pour a go. He's not really taken to now and next yet, hopefully we ll get there with them at some point soon 🤞

Sand is one that he loves throwing, we haven't tried marble runs or anything similar to that yet so I ll get one of those to try.