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Much of the information on this blog is geared towards younger children, and I often get asked in my workshops what types of activities are good to do with teens with special needs. Today I have some great information for parents & professionals living or working with teens.
Finding and setting up activities for younger children is usually not so difficult. There is a variety of information out there about what types of things to do & play with toddlers and elementary age children. Younger children are so full of wonder and energy and will engage in play for hours. However, finding fun, interactive events and social activities for t'weens & teens is a bit more challenging. As kids get older, and outgrow certain types of social play, they begin to form peer groups based on similar (and more grown-up) interests. A child with special needs may not have a grasp yet on these complex & subtle social behaviors and relationships, and may need support in finding or establishing a peer group or activity that he or she feels comfortable in.
In addition, most adolescents want to be free of Mom, Dad, grandma or the babysitter when they are with friends. I know my own daughter is so talkative & helpful when we are home or alone in the kitchen, making dinner or braiding hair before bed, but as soon as her friends show up, she is rolling her eyes at the sight of me and cannot get away from me fast enough!
I found these two excellent articles below on One Place for Special Needs that both address social activities for t'weens & teens. They recommend planning high interest events for special needs teens, in order to allow ample opportunity for engagement, friendship & fun. Please share them generously by passing them on!
Use these links:
Social Opportunities for Special Needs T'ween & Teens
How to Create a Parent Facilitated Middle School Social Group
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