What extracurricular activities might be best for a child with Asperger syndrome?
Extracurricular activities are important for the development of the child as a whole person. They are especially important for children with Asperger syndrome, because these activities help children build teamwork, develop social skills, and learn good sportsmanship, all qualities that many children with Asperger need help with.
However, parents should exercise a bit of caution. Some activities that may be ideal for a child who does not have Asperger’s may not work well for a child with Asperger’s. Sports such as basketball or soccer are sensory activities, which can make it difficult for children with Asperger’s or who are in Autistic spectrum. However, other activities can bring out many of the gifts of children with Asperger’s.
athletic activities
Due to their sensory nature, contact sports or other activities that place a child in close contact with other children are generally not suitable for children with Asperger syndrome. Sports that give the child her personal space but allow her to exercise her athletic skills on an individual basis are often a better choice.
Track and field, figure skating, tennis, or gymnastics are all sports you may want to let your child try. Although many clubs promote team spirit, the child can still practice and often perform individually. The team as a whole has a score that is calculated using a mathematical formula. Children with Asperger’s, with their penchant for order, often enjoy this type of scoring.
Playgroups and meetup groups for parents of children with Asperger’s
It’s just as good for you as it is for your child to meet other parents whose children have been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, especially if your child has been receiving treatment. Your child can also compare experiences with their peers while having fun. Another advantage of an Asperger’s meetup group is that if your child has a strong area of interest, another child with the same area of interest and yours can develop a bond.
Clubs for Special Interests and Academic Activities
Again, since children with Asperger Syndrome often have a strong interest in a certain topic, a club that helps that child develop that interest can help give your child more social skills while focusing on his or her interest. special. A child who likes to work with machines, for example, may want to join a robotics club. children with asperger Anyone who loves math may find a math club a great option. Children who have a way with animals may want to join a dog training club or 4-H club. Let your child’s interests dictate which clubs she wants to join.
Classes or Private Classes?
Learning social skills along with developing interests is an important ingredient in any extracurricular activity, but too much socializing can be challenging for some kids with Asperger’s. For those children, private lessons in their area of special interest can provide the perfect mix of social skills and special interest skills. They will forge a connection with their teacher or coach, but they won’t be challenged too much by the social situation in some classes.
Skills honed by private lessons can lead to lifelong interests or even a career for children whose interest continues into adulthood. Allow your child to take the lead in deciding what activities she will be involved in, as well as the level at which she will be involved. With your own interest level at the forefront, extracurricular activities can really enrich your child’s life.