School is upon us! As school begins, many parents of kids with special needs will consider which extra-curricular activities are right for their child.
What kinds of activities are often choices for kids with disabilities?
- Sports Many kids who have special needs in the classroom are very good at sports. Just because a child has a learning disability, for example, does not mean he cannot shoot baskets or make that winning goal for his team.
- Clubs Some kids with special needs enjoy the friendships and activities that come with club membership. A high school student who is looking for social activities with peers might love to work on the homecoming float or go on the restaurant outings with a foreign language club.
- Scouts Scouts (and other, similar organizations) offer regular meetings that provide purpose and teach responsibility. Badges and other form of recognition are great motivators and build self-esteem.
- Choirs If a child is musically inclined, a church choir, for children or youth, is another activity that will be fun and provide social interaction with peers. Again, a learning disability says nothing about a child’s interest or ability in music.
- Church Groups Churches offer activities for all ages: meals, outings, camps, and just plain get-togethers. Kids learn and have fun at the same time.
Considerations Before Letting Your Child Sign Up
- Is this activity developmentally appropriate for your child?
- Is your child able to take on something else to do?
- Is there enough adult supervision involved?
- Will your child’s disability impact his involvement in the activity? If so, how will that be?
- Will you need to discuss your child’s needs with the leader or coach ahead of time?
Activities that are carefully chosen can be wonderful social outlets and motivators to get homework and house chores done. Careful selection is important, but the right activity is sure to be found.
