Activities that Help with Therapy and Development

If you have a child with special needs, you are most likely very familiar with the therapeutic activities your child participates in when they are with a therapist. While one-on-one work with a professional therapist is best for your child, there are also many activities for special needs children that you can do at home with your child to help assist their routine therapy appointments. Also, if you plan to take a vacation, irregular therapeutic practice can set the child’s developments back temporarily. These activities for special needs children are a simple way to keep your child developing and learning in between therapy sessions.

Physical Activities that Help with Physical Therapy

Some of the best physical activities for special needs children are also activities that can be enjoyed as a family. Take your child to the pool to practice moving and swimming in the water. In shallow water, your child can use water aerobic weights or other floating toys to play with and work on muscle building in his or her upper arms. Your child can also wear an old pair of sneakers into the shallow end and practice walking around in the water. The added weight adds a challenge, as well as strengthens leg muscles. Just be sure to supervise your child at all times.

Horseback riding is also a fun and therapeutic exercise. With horseback riding, your child words on balance and strengthening their legs and core. They also work on tactile and sensory skills by feeling the soft or wiry hair of the horse. Many children find the walking pace of a horse relaxing and comforting.

Speech Activities that Help With Speech Therapy

Your child’s therapist may have several different toys and tools to help with speech development, but that does not mean you cannot also help your child at home with the items you already have on hand. Exposing your child to more language is as simple as narrating everything you are doing. This activity can be done while you are cooking or while you are playing with your child. Name the item of several things when you go for a walk or shop in a store. Also, help your child’s skills by asking them questions about items. Your child’s favorite movie or show is also a good opportunity to ask your child questions. Ask them about the characters and what they like most about the show.

Activities for special needs children do not need to be complex or use expensive tools. Instead, find fun activities for special needs children that you can incorporate into your every day life, such as arts and crafts or sensory bins. Working with your children every day with certain activities can help progress their development and therapy. Fun activities are also the perfect way for you and your child to bond.

Photo by Jasmic