A question about activities children with Autism have the potential to engage in, tolerate, and enjoy.?

Question

Of course, I am aware every child with the autism condition would be different from the next. My child is three years of age and at this point enrolled in a pre-kindergarten program with about four other children who all share the same diagnosis. During the few times I've witnessed my child in the classroom setting, the spectrum had made itself blatenly apparent, within the group of five. My kid responds to the teachers and students in a total different fashion which I have to add is an encouraging one than she does us, her family. Could it be the forced interaction in the school setting a major factor that 'pulls out' the behavior in her to mimick that of a "typical" child? If so should I look to place her in other structured programs after school, you know, recreational activities I feel she may enjoy? I think I'm on to something, I'm not too sure that's why I'm posting this concern to possibly get some kind of validation from other parents. Please list suitable activities.

Answer 1

I teach students with autism and many of them enjoy gardening, so if there is a 4H type club in your area your child may enjoy that.  

I have a friend whose son likes soccer, so he plays in a league for children with disabilties and participates in Special Olympics.

In our area we also have some therapeutic horse riding groups that some of our students participate in.  Sometimes insurance will help pay for these lessons, or the charge is minimal, and the kids love being around the horses.  They learn how to take care of them, feed them, etc.

Recently we had a parent who wanted to start a Girl Scout group for students with disabilities.  This may be a possibility in your area, too.  

You might also consider dance classes, art classes (like at a museum), swim class, play group, or Mommy and Me classes.

Answer 2

Wow, that is really great!  I would encourage you to look into other activities that she could participate in.  If she likes reading try a preschool aged story time at your library, or if that is not available to you would you be comfortable asking other parents you know to have their children come over for a story time/play date activities?  Another option would be gymnastics or even karate classes might be an option.  You could even try some art or craft classes for her age group.  In the summer you might want to enroll her in a day camp for part of the time.  Lastly I would suggest talking to her teachers and seeing what they think would be good programs for her, they will probably even know of some good companies in your area that work well with children on the spectrum.

Answer 3

Yes often times children with autism thrive in structured settings. They like rules, organization and structure. Often times their world makes more sense if it is concrete and organized and have a more difficult time with free, choice or unstructured time. This is a pattern I have seen many times. Sometimes transitioning to new activities even structured ones can be difficult, but after that initial transition they thrive once again.

Gymanasitics is a common one children do well at because there is a lot of motor movement and imitation and less reliance on language. Sometimes park and rec programs have Mommy and Me programs or similar programs that focus on music, movement or arts and crafts which can be great opportunities again. if structured.

Sounds like you have lots of reasons to be really optimistic about your child's prognosis. Congratulations.

Answer 4

You should absolutely enroll her in recreation programs.  It will help her develop her social skills as well as her coordination, communication etc.  Look for inclusive programs with peers who do not have disabilties where she can learn from them and model their behaviors.  Additionally, you can consider programs just for children with disabilities.  While I believe in inclusion, I do believe it is a parent's choice.  I am not sure where you live but many places have parks and recreation departments that provide programs.

Answer 5

hi. my dd has severe pdd part of autism and mr. she enjoys many things. they will learn by mimicking which is good. my dd is still learning. we have gone to places ppl are amazed at because we try.   disnelyand, she loves amusement parks. the zoo, the museum but we have to go        to less crowed   times and places, she has transistion anxeity now. she was much easier as  child because we had an active life. she has morhphed and changed with time as any child would.

learn from what they do at school and try to do that at home. i have two kids and did not make one have chores to make it fair for both.  the older one does not hate his auti sib for that reason. they       do computer thing with each other now.

she like books but cannot really read. she like  music now but not always.     we have traveled across the us in car, and plane not always easy but glad we did it.

just keep doing what you are by obeserving and finding what she likes there and copying at home and noting what she likes at home and tell the teachers as well.