Summer activities for children with ASD

[westie]

Hi, my 11 yr old who has a diagnosis of PDA is currently attending a summer youth group for children with autistic spectrum disorders age 8 to 12 years. Its run by the Autism Communication Team (ACT) and the local youth service. He is really enjoying it, and the others who are attending also appear to be benefitting from it. I am really impressed so far. They have a quiet room which my son made use of a few times yesterday - the first day. The ACT team also offer a service for siblings - I think its day activities for younger sibs from 8 and think a residential for older teens, so they get to meet other siblings who are in a similar situation.

 

My older son also went to a sports activity day (for any children 6 to 11yrs, not ASD specific)earlier in the holidays but it was not a success, so I won't be sending him to one like that again.

 

Our local NAS branch also run a computer club for children 6 to 13 with ASD/AS/PDA and that has also been a success. Our branch (Rotherham) has also secured funding to continue this club and also to run fortnightly bowling activities for children with ASD/AS/PDA and also a couple of day trips as well.

 

Other than the bowling and daytrip there is not a lot else for my other 5yr old ASD son - activities that are specifically targeted for children with ASD I mean. Free swimming passes still useable in our area till end sept. so these have been used a number of times!

 

Has anyone else used/ been able to access these sorts of schemes and has it been a success?

Edited August 17, 2010 by westie

[MelowMeldrew]

Hi, my 11 yr old who has a diagnosis of PDA is currently attending a summer youth group for children with autistic spectrum disorders age 8 to 12 years. Its run by the Autism Communication Team (ACT) and the local youth service. He is really enjoying it, and the others who are attending also appear to be benefitting from it. I am really impressed so far. They have a quiet room which my son made use of a few times yesterday - the first day. The ACT team also offer a service for siblings - I think its day activities for younger sibs from 8 and think a residential for older teens, so they get to meet other siblings who are in a similar situation.

 

My older son also went to a sports activity day (for any children 6 to 11yrs, not ASD specific)earlier in the holidays but it was not a success, so I won't be sending him to one like that again.

 

Our local NAS branch also run a computer club for children 6 to 13 with ASD/AS/PDA and that has also been a success. Our branch (Rotherham) has also secured funding to continue this club and also to run fortnightly bowling activities for children with ASD/AS/PDA and also a couple of day trips as well.

 

Other than the bowling and daytrip there is not a lot else for my other 5yr old ASD son - activities that are specifically targeted for children with ASD I mean. Free swimming passes still useable in our area till end sept. so these have been used a number of times!

 

Has anyone else used/ been able to access these sorts of schemes and has it been a success?

 

We've had nothing this year at all, my son is 15 and they wanted him to attend 'playgroups' with 7 and 10yr olds and kids in wheelchairs, he refused to go, as there is nothing at all for any child over 14 here with autism, like yourself my son goes once a fortnight to a bowling session, with an adult never another child or peer. Another summer holiday like this,and I will need adult support too, he has gone completely hyper and is totally frustrated, and even the NAS didn't turn up when they promised, his 'social worker' has been on holiday all the summer by the look of it ! Unless the 'activity' is totally 1 on 1 he won't participate anyway...in anything. As most 'activities' they do provide are not for his peer age group and centred around 'group' works or sport, it is a no brainer, he won't go at all. One person fine, 2 dodgy, 3 or more he runs to the hills... I cannot think of any activity he could get involved in, we've tried them all. Perhaps long distance running ! then again I would have to keep up and show him the way and I hate sport too lol.............. I think sport terribly over-rated as an ice breaker with autistics, or maybe it is just mine that hates it... I curse the day they invented social inclusion I am sure they are taking the pee out of us.....

[coolblue]

We've had nothing this year at all, my son is 15 and they wanted him to attend 'playgroups' with 7 and 10yr olds and kids in wheelchairs, he refused to go, as there is nothing at all for any child over 14 here with autism, like yourself my son goes once a fortnight to a bowling session, with an adult never another child or peer. Another summer holiday like this,and I will need adult support too, he has gone completely hyper and is totally frustrated, and even the NAS didn't turn up when they promised, his 'social worker' has been on holiday all the summer by the look of it ! Unless the 'activity' is totally 1 on 1 he won't participate anyway...in anything. As most 'activities' they do provide are not for his peer age group and centred around 'group' works or sport, it is a no brainer, he won't go at all. One person fine, 2 dodgy, 3 or more he runs to the hills... I cannot think of any activity he could get involved in, we've tried them all. Perhaps long distance running ! then again I would have to keep up and show him the way and I hate sport too lol.............. I think sport terribly over-rated as an ice breaker with autistics, or maybe it is just mine that hates it... I curse the day they invented social inclusion I am sure they are taking the pee out of us.....

 

I couldn't agree more. My son has tried endless group activities ranging from after-school sports clubs to sunday school and every time it has been too loud, too fast or someone has picked on him. He's been on autism specific activities that he couldn't tolerate because most of the children appeared to be at the ADHD end of the spectrum and were, as in the MM mentions, much younger. It's been a more pressing issue for him because he is currently home-educated because of problems with school, and one-by-one, activities that he can access outside the home have fallen by the wayside.

 

I've been negotiating for a regular quiet activity session with a local disability group and the short breaks team for the past year, and because of my request a local autism support group managed to set up a one-off session like this in their summer programme. My son was the only kid booked on it, so it was cancelled!

 

I suspect what happens is that parents with hyperactive younger children on the spectrum are the ones pushing for activities (not surprisingly) whereas most of the chess-playing, book reading, lego-building teenagers and pre-teens who would actually prefer to stay in their bedrooms but could benefit from appropriately managed interaction with others, don't even think about going. They've spent all year struggling with it in school and don't want to sacrifice any of their six-week reprieve. So there aren't sufficient numbers to justify an activity. Ironically, that might be just the thing, if there are only a couple of takers.

 

Also, I think there's an element of what's available. It doesn't take much effort to book an extra session in a sports hall and do extra training with the staff, whereas a thorough analysis of local need, plus designing appropriate programmes, plus training and you're talking about a whole new industry.

 

What my son does like, following on from MM's point, is country walks. He's now able to walk reasonable distances, thankfully, so we're aiming to join the local ramblers eventually.

 

cb

[MelowMeldrew]

My son is a walker too lol anywhere where there are NOT people (Parks etc), I should be fitter than a butcher's dog,but I'm tired mostly. Another aspect is travel, he will go on a bus or train anywhere, when we do that he sits on his own at one end and me the other lol.... he couldn't make it more clear he DOESN'T need people, and has no truck with anything inclusive which seems to drive the support system via it's politically correct credo, obnviously when some think tank suggested we will all lock jolly hockey sticks together and render a united chorus of 'I'd like to teach the world to sing..' no-one though about autistics or what they think about it, which mostly it's an alien concept to stress them out. They are still convinced the poor old parents are just not trying hard enough ! what part of no way jose' do they not understand ?

[coolblue]

My son is a walker too lol anywhere where there are NOT people (Parks etc), I should be fitter than a butcher's dog,but I'm tired mostly. Another aspect is travel, he will go on a bus or train anywhere, when we do that he sits on his own at one end and me the other lol.... he couldn't make it more clear he DOESN'T need people, and has no truck with anything inclusive which seems to drive the support system via it's politically correct credo, obnviously when some think tank suggested we will all lock jolly hockey sticks together and render a united chorus of 'I'd like to teach the world to sing..' no-one though about autistics or what they think about it, which mostly it's an alien concept to stress them out. They are still convinced the poor old parents are just not trying hard enough ! what part of no way jose' do they not understand ?

 

It's because they think the autistic person doesn't know what delights they are missing. The idea that someone might actively not want to do the hockey sticks and sing-along thing is totally alien to them. Which speaks volumes.

 

cb

[MelowMeldrew]

Wonder what the autistic response is to the new government policy of 'social inclusion' lol I'd like to see Clegg or Cameron convincing them.. My son says no, end of debate... political correctness isn't his thing really... What do you do, for a child that doesn't want to participate in anything ? It's quite a concious decision on his part, and he'll take what action is necessary to prevent you including him too... his social worker gave up, said as he is of 'age' and said no, there is nothing can be done... which leaves us where exactly....

[baddad]

Ben's done/is doing tons of things over the hols and enjoying them greatly. He does 'do social' and loves to be part of a group but of course that's a double edged sword 'cos he doesn't 'get' all of the rules and can be very naive. Ho hum...

Another double edged sword him being very tall - cos he's bigger than most of the girl staff and as big as many of the blokes, and generally a head and shoulders above even the few kids who are his own age. Ho hum...

Saddest thing for me is that at just-turned thirteen he has generally been the oldest in the group stuff he's done, despite the cutoff being 16. I'm sure there are loads of fourteen/fifteen year old kids who would actually love to be doing kayaking, canoing, high ropes, rock climbing etc but have to pretend that it's boring and that they'd rather spend their time/money hanging around outside of McDonalds pretending to be drunk because that's what their peers are pretending they like doing . This rush-2-b-grownup society we live in has got a lot to answer for...

Anyhoo, probably the last summer he'll be doing this kind of stuff in these summer groups unless they come up with some activities that'll pull in a few people nearer his age. I hope they do, because otherwise the onus will be on me to do it all '1 - 1', and I really am getting a bit long on the tooth for some of it.

 

L&P

 

BD

[Karen A]

Ben's done/is doing tons of things over the hols and enjoying them greatly. He does 'do social' and loves to be part of a group but of course that's a double edged sword 'cos he doesn't 'get' all of the rules and can be very naive. Ho hum...

Another double edged sword him being very tall - cos he's bigger than most of the girl staff and as big as many of the blokes, and generally a head and shoulders above even the few kids who are his own age. Ho hum...

Saddest thing for me is that at just-turned thirteen he has generally been the oldest in the group stuff he's done, despite the cutoff being 16. I'm sure there are loads of fourteen/fifteen year old kids who would actually love to be doing kayaking, canoing, high ropes, rock climbing etc but have to pretend that it's boring and that they'd rather spend their time/money hanging around outside of McDonalds pretending to be drunk because that's what their peers are pretending they like doing . This rush-2-b-grownup society we live in has got a lot to answer for...

Anyhoo, probably the last summer he'll be doing this kind of stuff in these summer groups unless they come up with some activities that'll pull in a few people nearer his age. I hope they do, because otherwise the onus will be on me to do it all '1 - 1', and I really am getting a bit long on the tooth for some of it.

 

L&P

 

BD

 

There are lads aged nearly fifteen who love rock climbing and high ropes I know because I have one...unlike me who was shouting to get down having been booked on the adrenalin high ropes in error by my wonerful husband.

[MelowMeldrew]

I'd love my lad to do it too, but there is no way anyone can convince him, his school failed, the inclusive play failed, the adult support is failing. We have accepted it isn't going to work, it's finding out what will. 1 on 1 and no other people sort of thing ! He was offered a free day out at a theme park with 3 other children and refused outright unless the other children weren't there. When we took him on our own, he ran screaming from the noise and too many people and we came straight back home, sensory overload, £150 wasted, so no holiday this year again unless it is in a field and miles from civilisation, which isn't our idea of a holiday really ! We live in hope 'something' will suddenly click and he will want to do it... I was suggested fishing, but I cannot see him sitting or standing still for more than 50 seconds... which is an issue if you are sea fishing lol.. It has to be a solitary occupation. I'm not pandering to it, it's just this is what he wants and needs. People he don't.

[hsmum]

Hi, my 11 yr old who has a diagnosis of PDA is currently attending a summer youth group for children with autistic spectrum disorders age 8 to 12 years. Its run by the Autism Communication Team (ACT) and the local youth service. He is really enjoying it, and the others who are attending also appear to be benefitting from it. I am really impressed so far. They have a quiet room which my son made use of a few times yesterday - the first day. The ACT team also offer a service for siblings - I think its day activities for younger sibs from 8 and think a residential for older teens, so they get to meet other siblings who are in a similar situation.

 

My older son also went to a sports activity day (for any children 6 to 11yrs, not ASD specific)earlier in the holidays but it was not a success, so I won't be sending him to one like that again.

 

Our local NAS branch also run a computer club for children 6 to 13 with ASD/AS/PDA and that has also been a success. Our branch (Rotherham) has also secured funding to continue this club and also to run fortnightly bowling activities for children with ASD/AS/PDA and also a couple of day trips as well.

 

Other than the bowling and daytrip there is not a lot else for my other 5yr old ASD son - activities that are specifically targeted for children with ASD I mean. Free swimming passes still useable in our area till end sept. so these have been used a number of times!

 

Has anyone else used/ been able to access these sorts of schemes and has it been a success?

[hsmum]

Hi,

 

You are quite lucky to live in an area where there is proactive provision for children on the spectrum. The extended services in our area focus on a very general spread of special and social needs and my son finds it as hard to intergrate in these groups as in mainstream groups. However, there are some cyclng activities which DS enjoys. However, DS is, in fact, quite easy to occupy. He is happy going on cycling expeditions, or he will busy himself trying to catch butterflies on country walks. His tearaway little brother (who is not on the spectrum) is much harder to cope with mainly because he has a greater need for interaction.

[westie]

I agree it is lucky that there are activities and services in my area, how long they will be there is anyones guess - funding will be an issue in the future I suspect.

Edited August 19, 2010 by westie

[MelowMeldrew]

Already an issue here, the LA wants to pull disabled kids out of all specialised schooling and put them in mainstream here, as my son commutes out of the area daily they wanted to pull the taxi service to save money. I said if they did I'd pull my son out of school altogether and demand home tuition which would cost them more. Mainstream is totally unsuitable for my son. He's never going to go back to it. I fought 6 years to get him out. I look in real envy at those who have services for Autistic children and things to do, we have nothing and it's getting worse, they want them out of special school, for what ? children First ? only parents believe that... then they said once my son hits 18 "You are on your own..." I said what's new.... it's never been any different. I'd move to where services are, but I can't afford to.... Like most parents would be, I'm worried silly what is going to happen. There's is no light and not even a tunnel to enter...

[jollypig]

thats great to hear op my 13 yr old is about to have her final assessment by Rotherham Cahms this thursday then hopefully we will get an idea of whats going on .ive heard about The Lynx in Maltby who have a youth club on Thursdays for asd/aspergers diagnosed teens but its nice to her of other things , hopefully once we get a formal diagnosis we can start to get her socialising and help her feel included.

[westie]

thats great to hear op my 13 yr old is about to have her final assessment by Rotherham Cahms this thursday then hopefully we will get an idea of whats going on .ive heard about The Lynx in Maltby who have a youth club on Thursdays for asd/aspergers diagnosed teens but its nice to her of other things , hopefully once we get a formal diagnosis we can start to get her socialising and help her feel included.

hope your appointment goes well. The summer youth group is run by the same team that do the youth club at Maltby and I was really impressed by them. I hope you can get her there and she enjoys it.

 

btw are you aware of the NAS branch in Rotherham? see www.nasrotherham.org.uk for more info. Support group meetings will start again in early september and you are welcome to attend if you can make it! we also have a facebook page, search for "national autistic society rotherham branch" - not as detailed as the website but am trying to keep it up to date with upcoming events etc.

[westie]

Already an issue here, the LA wants to pull disabled kids out of all specialised schooling and put them in mainstream here, as my son commutes out of the area daily they wanted to pull the taxi service to save money. I said if they did I'd pull my son out of school altogether and demand home tuition which would cost them more. Mainstream is totally unsuitable for my son. He's never going to go back to it. I fought 6 years to get him out. I look in real envy at those who have services for Autistic children and things to do, we have nothing and it's getting worse, they want them out of special school, for what ? children First ? only parents believe that... then they said once my son hits 18 "You are on your own..." I said what's new.... it's never been any different. I'd move to where services are, but I can't afford to.... Like most parents would be, I'm worried silly what is going to happen. There's is no light and not even a tunnel to enter...

sorry to hear that. My son has attended mainstream with a statement and has managed so far but will start at secondary after the hols and I am not sure how he will cope there - its a very large school with very high expectations in terms of behaviour and academic performance. The learning support dept staff are brilliant but not sure how the individual teachers will be. Teacher relationship has played a large part in the success or otherwise of his primary years, but having multiple teachers every day will mean he is more likely to come across one who will not understand him or his needs, and this is the major worry. Planning to keep an eye on things and hopefully I can take action if I see anything developing. We have had good relationship and communication with other schools so hopefully this will continue so we can work together and sort things out.

Hope you manage to sort the transport issue and that he can stay in the school that is meeting his needs.

X

[jollypig]

hope your appointment goes well. The summer youth group is run by the same team that do the youth club at Maltby and I was really impressed by them. I hope you can get her there and she enjoys it.

 

btw are you aware of the NAS branch in Rotherham? see www.nasrotherham.org.uk for more info. Support group meetings will start again in early september and you are welcome to attend if you can make it! we also have a facebook page, search for "national autistic society rotherham branch" - not as detailed as the website but am trying to keep it up to date with upcoming events etc.

 

if the diagnosis is as expected i will deffinately be in touch because i want her to experience as much as possible.