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 work as a team, 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 football 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 abilities individually are often a better choice.

Track, figure skating, tennis, or gymnastics are all sports you may want to allow your child to 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 punctuation.

Play groups and meeting groups for parents of children with Asperger’s

It’s as good for you as it is for your child to meet other parents whose children have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, especially if your child has been receiving treatment. Your child can also compare experiences with peers while having fun. Another advantage of an Asperger’s meeting group is that if your child has a strong area of ​​interest, another child with the same area of ​​interest as yours can develop a bond.

Clubs for Special Interests and Academic Activities

Again, since children with Asperger’s syndrome often have a keen interest in a certain subject, a club that helps that child develop that interest can help give your child more social skills while focusing on their interest. special. A child who likes to work with machines, for example, may want to join a robotics club. children with asperger’s anyone who loves math may find a math club to be a great option. Children who have a way with animals may want to join a dog training club or a 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 children with Asperger’s. For those kids, private lessons in their special interest area can give them 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 too challenged 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. Let your child 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.