What are some activities to do with a high functioning special needs person?

Question

I recently took a job babysitting a 23 year old special needs girl. what are some activities we could do together. and some places we could go?

Answer 1

its a kind work you are doing, god bless you. you need to try and understand the person's needs and what he/she likes and dislikes. try to drive some new interesting involvements for the person. keep yourself happy at the end of the day

Answer 2

ask what they want to do and im sure youll have fun and be busy doing whatever they want to do.

Answer 3

Do things that typical people do. I would say think of the person at a teenage level, bowling, movies, shopping at the mall, or go out to eat. If she is verbal just ask her what she likes to do then think of a few new experiences to add to it. For example if she says she likes to go to the movies, go to the movies, then the next time go watch a theatrical production.

Answer 4

How high functioning? It's difficult to answer your question without knowing exactly what you mean. My younger brother is considered mildly-to moderately retarded and doesn't need an aide of any sort. That is what I consider high-functioning. With him I just do whatever activities he wants to do. Also, does she have any phsycal limitations?

EDIT: Thanks for clarifying. I think you should talk with her parents or guardians about what she likes to do and how you should approach her. I'm not able to understand exactly what her level of functionality is. This is important in how you interact with her. Her social, emotional and intellectual age is very important when it comes to what activities you pick for her. If you pick activites meant for a six year old but she is functioning at a teenage level, she will be very upset.

While the word "retarded" is not used much anymore, it is not an insult but a clinical term. Now my brother would have another clinical term atattched to him, but that is what he was diagnosed with at the time. If you are going to be working with someone with special needs you should know what her diagnosis is and what that means.

Answer 5

go bowling

Answer 6

I would do a little "get to know you" exercise with her... find out her likes and dislikes.  If she likes animals, a trip to the zoo would work, as would perhaps taking nature walks, visiting a museum of natural history, etc.  If she likes music, find out what kind... you might have a free concert somewhere nearby this summer.  I'd try to appeal to all five senses... if she loves the smell of bread, how about a visit to a bread factory or bakery to see how it's made?  If she likes to get her hands dirty, how about some fingerpainting?