If you have a child who is autistic or disabled, there is no reason why they can’t enjoy the same social activities as all other children. There are many places now catering for children of all abilities. These activities are not only fun and therapeutic, but research shows that success in life is enhanced by a child’s sense of belonging. Being a part of creative or sports activities can provide that sense of belonging, improving social skill and promoting self-confidence. It helps them become a part of the community they belong to.
Here are five activities you can check out to see if they are suitable for your child.
Swimming Queensland
What more can you say? Swimming is an Australian past time. It is almost essential for all children to be able to swim. Swimming Queensland has programs for children of all abilities.
Swimming can have many benefits including:
- Health and fitness
- Is family
– oriented - Facilitates social engagements
You can check out their website here https://qld.swimming.org.au/inclusive-swimming
If you want to find a swimming pool near you catering for your individual needs, click on the following link and follow the prompts. https://qld.swimming.org.au/contact-sq
Treasures ASD Swim Program
If you have a child with autism, Treasures ASD Swim Program is designed specifically for them. Located in Morningside, Hampton Swim School and Gateway Therapies have put together a program to teach children with autism how to swim, to enjoy the water, be safe and enjoy the benefits swimming has to offer. You can check out their website here.
https://www.hamptonswimschool.com.au/treasures-asd-program
Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia Ltd (RDA)
Riding for the Disabled is a non-profit
Some of the benefits of horse riding are:
- Improved balance
- Strengthens muscles
- Improves coordination, faster reflexes, and better motor planning
- Strengthens tight or spastic muscles
- Increased range of motion of joints
- Improved respiratory and circulation
- Improved appetite and digestion
- Sensory integration
You can read more about the benefits of riding here:
If you think that RDA would be suitable for your child you can contact them http://www.rda.org.au/rdaqld.aspx
PCYC
The concept of PCYC is to build “safer, healthier communities through youth development”. There are PCYC clubs all around Queensland and most likely there is one close to you. They have an inclusive program to provide activities for people with a disability and you can read more about that here. https://www.pcyc.org.au/blog/pcyc-queensland-embarks-on-disability-action-plan-journey/
PCYC offer a wide range of activities including:
- KinderGym
- Gymnastics
- Boxing
- Dance
- Martial arts
You can use this link to locate your local PCYC https://www.pcyc.org.au/find-your-pcyc/ and check if they have a program that is suitable for your child.
The Tippy Toe Co. inclusive dance & movement program
Does your child love to dance? Started in 2013, The Tippy Toe Co. (TTTC) is located in Toowong. It is an inclusive dance and movement program for children and young people, aged 3-18 years, who have a disability. The class sizes are kept small with a teacher ratio of 1:1 or 1:2, ensuring each student is individually supported whilst being part of a warm group environment. If you think your child would enjoy dancing, go
Do you, or someone you love, need help to be a part of the community?
Care to Change is a registered NDIS provider. We are committed to assisting individuals achieve the most from their lives. You can contact us by calling 1300 515 888 or email [email protected]. You can also use our contact form on our website https://www.caretochange.com.au/contact-us/. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
