Running around the neighborhood, riding bikes with friends, participating in the school’s sports teams—we often consider these typical childhood experiences. But when your child has special needs, participating in these activities may not be so commonplace. In fact, children with special needs tend to get less physical activity than their typically developing peers.
But why? Dr. Sari Hochberger Bar, medical director of the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic and the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Health, says it often depends on the child’s diagnosis—especially if they have a physical disability or medical diagnosis that restricts activity. Or maybe it’s the parent feeling overwhelmed with specialist and therapy appointments or even protecting their kiddos from the possibilities of being picked on or getting injured.
While these feelings are certainly understandable—and valid—ensuring your little one gets enough physical activity every day has benefits beyond physical health.
To find programs for your child, visit our Special Needs Recreation directory.
An Opportunity to Thrive
In addition to helping your child get the 60 minutes of physical activity per day, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics—and the benefits that come with it like better lung capacity, increased muscle strength, improved sleep and overall better physical health—participating in recreational activities can help kids with special needs:
- Gain social skills
- Build friendships and engage with peers outside of school
- Learn to be a good teammate
- Build self-confidence
- Feel included
- Improve mental health
- Boost academics and performance in school
- Develop a sense of competence
- Learn healthy habits
Why Recreation is Good for the Family
But engaging in recreational activities isn’t just good for your child, it can benefit your whole family. When one person in the family is struggling, it can make things more difficult for the family in general. “So when you get a kid involved in these things, and they’re starting to make those friendships and get the sense of mastery, get strength from participating in these physical activities,” says Rebecka Honardar, a Mom-Approved licensed professional counselor at Center for Counseling & Family Relationships in Fort Worth. “That child is going to be happier, which, in turn, is going to make everyone else in the family happier.”
Plus, enrolling little ones in a program can help you find your community. After all, raising a child with special needs can feel uniquely isolating, but finding the right recreational activity can help you connect with other parents raising kids with special needs.
How to Find the Right Program
Not sure where to start when researching programs for your child? Hochberger and Honardar recommend you:
Have a conversation with your child’s pediatrician and other specialists or therapy providers. “We want kids active and being able to participate in whatever way possible, but safety from the medical perspective would be a number one priority,” Hochberger says.
Understand your child’s interests. Remember: Just because you like something doesn’t mean your little one is going to like it. And if they don’t like it, they may not be as motivated to participate.
Vet the available programs. Whether it’s a program for kids with special needs or an inclusive one, see if the director or coach is willing to speak with you; “that is going to be a good green flag for whether they’re willing to make the accommodations and meet the individual needs of the child,” Honardar says.
Be sure to ask:
- Who is involved in the program and what’s their background?
- Are there therapists who are trained/have experience with my child’s diagnosis?
- How are you ensuring children are doing the activity in the proper way?
- Are you able to accommodate my child’s needs?
- Do you have adaptive equipment my child can use?
- Are there any families already enrolled that I can speak to?
Request to preview the program. Hochberger recommends asking if your child can do a trial run of the program. At the very least, ask if you and your child can shadow or observe for a day to see other kids participating in the activity and know what to expect.
Above all, remember: Trust your gut. You’re the expert on your child, so you’ll know if the program is the best fit.
To find programs for your child, visit our Special Needs Recreation directory.
This article was published in August 2024.
