Q: “How do I get my child interested in sports or recreation of any kind?”
Advice: This is one of the most difficult questions brought to me by special needs couples. I can appreciate this dilemma because of my own special needs children. First of all the word PATIENCE comes to mind. This is probably the single most important component in working with your child. Another important puzzle piece in the delicate balance of the special needs child is PERSERVERANCE. Finally, know that it CAN be accomplished with your determination, and with the help of skilled individuals who work diligently within our community of special needs children.
With typical children, they usually just decide one day to go out of their comfort zone and do a sport without too much work from us. Between their classmates and other outside support, they are eager to join in a network [1] of other children.
With special needs children, we need to be the other child and meet them at their level and walk gently into their comfort zone and assist them. What does this mean? If it means playing soccer with them or taking them bowling [2], or playing basketball or swimming [3] or even doing dance classes…..sometimes until you are exhausted, than do it.
Next, once you have found what excites them look around for special needs Olympic [4] organizations. We were fortunate enough to find a special needs bowling league in our area. After exhausting hours with soccer and swimming, my children finally found their niche. They love bowling and have joined in with a population every Saturday morning for 2 hours, they get to socialize and play with people they are comfortable with, and they have a blast!
There are organizations out there. You need to be persistent and search for them. The Jewish Community Centers and the YMCA [5]‘s are all wonderful places to look for activities your child can become involved with their peers. They have the opportunities to provide your child with a wonderful experience and the staff to help keep them going. Is it work? Yes, but well worth it to see the smiles and growth that your child will gain from his/her sense of accomplishment and just plain fun.
Patience and Perseverance,
Robin Newman
Helpful Articles
- Inclusion: Why It Matters? [6]
- Inclusive Bathrooms: Let’s Start Talking About It [7]
- Ethan’s Alternative Tomorrow: A PATH Toward Social Inclusion [8]
- Notes from the Mama Bear Diary: A Tale of Summer Inclusion [9]
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- Acceptance is the Key [17]
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