3 Things to consider when looking for Activities
Numerous parents appear to have the same problem when it comes to safe, inclusive activities for their differently-abled child.
There simply aren't any!
But in reality, the options are very few and far between. This means that the options do exist so it's just a matter of finding them. Let's help you to find that needle in the haystack.
1) Immerse yourself into different environments. Join groups of like minded individuals. Follow informative pages on social media such as Down Syndrome Family Network or Consortium of Disability Organizations or Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago . You can never have enough information and the world is digital so embrace it. Also be willing to embrace other communities that you and your child are not necessarily directly a part of. If you have a child on the Autism spectrum, be open to following the Deaf Sports community and their information networks. Be supportive. Chances are there may be an activity or work shop that they are promoting that would be perfect for you.
2) Look for an activity that suits the NEEDS of the child as opposed to the "capabilities" of the child. As a parent, it is your first instinct to want to protect them but the possibilities are endless. You never really know what they are capable of until they are outside of their comfort zone...until they are outside of your comfort zone.
Challenge them. Challenge them in a healthy fashion. Set small goals for them to achieve and keep driving them forward. Be there for when they succeed and even more importantly when they fall.
Let them experience new things. Your son or daughter might be excellent at bocce or share in the joy of millions at kicking a ball. But you really would not know until you try. And trying is not 45 minutes on one rainy Saturday morning. A real effort is a prolonged experience. Differently-abled children adapt differently to new social environments and new experiences so you must afford them that opportunity to settle in.
3) If there is no door, then make one!
You would be surprised at how many people are simply waiting for someone to lead the way. Sometimes it just requires one person (You) to take that leap of faith and actively create opportunities. You would be surprised at how things would suddenly fall into place, with people and resources all gravitating towards it.
Progress requires being bold!
There simply aren't any!
But in reality, the options are very few and far between. This means that the options do exist so it's just a matter of finding them. Let's help you to find that needle in the haystack.
3 Things to consider when looking Activities for your differently-abled child
1) Immerse yourself into different environments. Join groups of like minded individuals. Follow informative pages on social media such as Down Syndrome Family Network or Consortium of Disability Organizations or Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago . You can never have enough information and the world is digital so embrace it. Also be willing to embrace other communities that you and your child are not necessarily directly a part of. If you have a child on the Autism spectrum, be open to following the Deaf Sports community and their information networks. Be supportive. Chances are there may be an activity or work shop that they are promoting that would be perfect for you.
2) Look for an activity that suits the NEEDS of the child as opposed to the "capabilities" of the child. As a parent, it is your first instinct to want to protect them but the possibilities are endless. You never really know what they are capable of until they are outside of their comfort zone...until they are outside of your comfort zone.
Challenge them. Challenge them in a healthy fashion. Set small goals for them to achieve and keep driving them forward. Be there for when they succeed and even more importantly when they fall.
Let them experience new things. Your son or daughter might be excellent at bocce or share in the joy of millions at kicking a ball. But you really would not know until you try. And trying is not 45 minutes on one rainy Saturday morning. A real effort is a prolonged experience. Differently-abled children adapt differently to new social environments and new experiences so you must afford them that opportunity to settle in.
3) If there is no door, then make one!
You would be surprised at how many people are simply waiting for someone to lead the way. Sometimes it just requires one person (You) to take that leap of faith and actively create opportunities. You would be surprised at how things would suddenly fall into place, with people and resources all gravitating towards it.
Progress requires being bold!
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