Dec 3, 2020 Let’s have fun! Five tips for helping your child with special needs get the most out of recreation activities

If you want to help your child have a positive experience with recreation, sports, and art programs, here are five things to consider.

Kaylee McGuire is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) and works to improve the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our patients. Kaylee leads a variety of recreation activities at Children's Specialized Hospital including our various club and camp programs. 

1.  Identify your child’s interests & strengths.

Sometimes it’s hard for anyone to answer the question “What do you like to do for fun?” One of the best ways to find a favorite leisure activity is to try out several different programs. By offering your child a variety of choices and opportunities to try new things you will broaden their chances of finding what they love to do.

Start out by trying activities your child may have the most success with. If your child struggles with activities that require a lot of concentration, social knowledge, and strategy, then a team sport may be challenging.  An independent sport like golf, swimming, or martial arts can be a good starting activity. Art, theater, music, and robotics are also great choices.

2. Be open to different experiences.

Recreation program structures may vary based on the goals of the program and where it is offered. Programs like the ones at CSH, designed for children with special needs, are called specialized, adaptive, or special recreation programs. These programs are set up with specific supports and designed to meet the unique needs of children with various abilities. Many of these programs are inclusive to serve children with various needs whether physical, cognitive, or sensory-based. I encourage families to try out specialized recreation programs with an open mind. These programs help children learn skills in a safe atmosphere, build confidence, and promote acceptance. Our specialized programs at Children’s Specialized Hospital provide families with a unique opportunity to meet other families in similar situations, support each other, build friendships, and see their children grow.

3. Think inclusively.

Many parents contact me looking for special needs programs for yoga, ballet, painting, or lego clubs in very specific locations. I would love for Children’s Specialized Hospital to offer every type of program imaginable, but we are not quite there yet. My advice to these parents is that in the meantime, find a local child yoga or ballet program and ask how they would include your child. All businesses (especially government funded programs like recreation and parks programs) are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to include persons with disabilities.

I have met parents from all over the country who successfully include their children in community activities with their peers without disabilities. It often takes patience, clear communication, support, and some education to people that may not have had any interactions with children like yours. It may be an incredible opportunity for your child & family to positively impact the lives of others, and help them get to know your child and his or her abilities.

4. Communicate openly about your child’s needs.

Sometimes it may be uncomfortable to talk to recreation providers such as dance or karate instructors, camp directors, or coaches, about your child’s special needs. How do you start? Take an opportunity to call the facility before registering to discuss your child’s needs. You may request a meeting or tour with your child and the instructors to become acquainted and help prepare. The focus of the conversation should be “how will you include my child?” and not “will you include my child?” See the helpful tip sheet attached here for things to address with recreation providers, and tips for having successful conversations.

5. Try again!

Sometimes parents’ expectations are not met immediately, and that is okay! If a program or staff member is not meeting your expectations, have a direct discussion about your concerns. Providing positive feedback (“My son looks forward to your program every week”) during this discussion is a good way to open lines of communication. As frustrating as it may be, I encourage you to not give up. I strive to find ways to make myself and our staff approachable so that parents feel comfortable talking to us about their concerns. No programs are perfect, but at Children’s Specialized Hospital we strive to improve and make every experience positive and excellent.

Every child has the right to play, participate in recreation, and be a kid! I hope these tips empower you to seek out opportunities for your child to flourish.