Most special needs children have a difficult time in social situations. Their activities should be geared toward learning how to interact with other children, practicing the skills they are learning, and most of all, having fun. Special needs children enjoy the same things as all children: playing with toys, art projects, and getting to spend time with their parents.
The best activities for special needs kids will involve using the senses. Children who are blind may enjoy going to a nearby park and feeling the bark on trees or listening to birds sing. A child who is deaf may enjoy playing musical instruments that do not require hearing to play them such as drums or bells. Those who are both blind and deaf can enjoy sensory exploration by putting their hands under warm water or feeling cotton balls or other soft items.
The best activities for special needs kids will engage their minds as well as their bodies and senses. Art projects are wonderful ways to engage a child’s creativity while building social skills as they work alongside others on group art projects. A nearby museum is also a great place for special needs kids, as it provides an opportunity to learn about different cultures around the world in an interactive way. Some of the best activities for special needs kids can be found at home by creating a space just for them.
One way to find out what activities are available in your area is to ask your doctor or paediatrician. They may be able to recommend something specific or they may have some ideas of their own. If you are worried about being able to access activities for special needs children in your area, try contacting the local recreation department or parks and recreation department for information on playgroups or other activities for special needs children.
It is also worth remembering that the internet can be a great source of information about activities for special needs children. You will often be able to find websites which list playgroups, sports teams and other activities where children with disabilities can meet others like themselves. Many of these websites also offer details about how to get involved with these groups or events and will tell you whether or not there is any need for parent volunteers or if the activity requires a fee from the child’s parents in order to participate.
Some activities include:
Drawing/painting
Touch and feel bags
Making your own playdough
Visual schedules
Baking
Build a fort
Use pillows, blankets, and more to build your child’s very own special place. They can bring their favorite toys inside the fort, play games with siblings, or just relax and read books. The best part? It’ll keep them entertained for hours.
Pick out a new outfit
Let your child pick out their own clothes for school or a special occasion. with so many different colors, patterns, and accessories, there’s something for everyone. Let them wear it proudly.
Play music while doing chores.
Go on a nature walk, looking for different animal tracks.
Make a treasure hunt to find a small prize (like candy) around the house or apartment with clues along the way to point to the next clue and the prize at the end.
Play with Play-Doh or clay together, making different shapes and animals.
Try a new sport together, like tennis