Read Samples from "Get Out, Explore, Have Fun!"

Curious what's inside Get Out, Explore, Have Fun?  I'm pleased to say that I've placed samples from the book on my website.  But if you want a taste right now, here's just one of the three excerpts I've posted:

Exploring Your Options (Yes, you have options!)

Today, the YMCA, Boy and Girl Scouts, museums, and an incredible range of community and private programs are very aware of the huge rise in kids with “special needs.” Fewer and fewer program directors are likely to say “We can’t help you” when you mention a developmental delay or even an autism diagnosis. And more community groups than you’d expect have actually gone out of their way to learn about and provide supports for kids with autism, ADHD, and similar developmental differences.

The problem is that too few parents, teachers, therapists, and support groups are aware of how things have changed—not only for our kids with special needs but for families overall. There’s much more openness to special needs families, if for no other reason than the fact that we now make up some 15 percent of the family market overall.

And it’s also much more acceptable than ever before for parents to take an active role in their child’s informal learning experiences. Parents hang out and take part in arts programs; they attend every athletic practice; they camp out along with their young Boy and Girl Scouts; they attend every meeting of YMCA Adventure Guides. As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, who needs you by his side, you’re not as unusual as you may feel.

Autism and the Children's Museum

If you think getting your child with autism through the grocery store is tough, why would even consider taking your child to the children's museum?  In fact, you may discover that your local children's museum is a fabulous place for a child with autism.  Not only are there wonderful opportunities for your child to experiment, run, learn and have fun - but there are also rich possibilities for verbal and non-verbal play with other children or with you.

• Most children's museums include replicas of real-world settings, ranging from grocery stores to boats to doctor's offices.  What better way to practice appropriate behavior and skills than in a not-so-real situation where no one really worries about a child who tosses the cereal box across the room?
• Most children's museum include exhibits that allow children to collaborate on creative construction.  Even if you're only working on basic turn-taking, you and your child (or another little one) can work together to build castles, construct towers and more.
• Many children's museums include hands-on exhibits that allow for non-verbal collaborative experimentation.  Rolling balls down ramps, making bubbles, sailing boats and other activities are fun, require little conversation, but inspire kids to work on sharing, turn-taking, observation, prediction, and many other skills.
• Many children's museums offer opportunities for music and art creation. This may give you a great chance to find out whether your child has an interest or a talent!
• Almost every children's museum has an area where climbing, running, jumping or other types of physical activity are encouraged.  Often, indoor jungle gyms, climbing walls or other structures are built to improve coordination and strength - something most kids with autism need to work on.

Before you take off for the nearest children's museum with your child, though, there are a few issues to bear in mind.  Because your child is autistic, he or she may have more limits than the average child.  Noise levels, frustration, or lack of communication skills can make your visit more challenging.  To make the most of the experience:

• Consider getting a discounted museum pass from your local library.  That way, if you have to leave after a short time, you're not breaking the bank.  A membership can also pay for itself quickly.
• Go to the museum during "down" times (Sunday mornings, late on weekday afternoons, on lovely sunny days, etc.).  Do NOT go during school vacation, on weekday mornings (schools are visiting) or on Saturday afternoons.
• Prepare your child for the visit ahead of time with photos and information about the place you'll be visiting.
• Bring snacks.
• Have a plan for coping with sensory overloads, behavior issues, or meltdowns.
• Consider bringing a digital camera to record favorite exhibits, big smiles, and cooperative moments.  That way you'll be able to relive the experience with your child (and partner, therapists, etc.) - and plan an even better visit next time!

One last hint: many children's museums are now offering special times for special needs visitors.  It can't hurt to ask about such programs; you may find that special evening hours are ideal for you, your child, and the rest of your family.

Autism on the Playground

Playgrounds are often a tough venue for families with kids on the autism spectrum.  While climbing and running may not be too much of a challenge, sharing and managing social equipment like the seesaw can be very challenging indeed.  It can also be tough to explain exactly how to manage complex actions such as pumping on a swing or pushing off on a seesaw.

It turns out, though, that practice and visual tools can go a long way toward helping a child on the spectrum to develop the skills he needs to make the playground a positive experience for everyone. 

A few years ago, my husband and I (with help from our kids) spent hours on the playground creating visual teaching tools to help parents of kids with autism learn to play.  Our daughter Sara was very into it; with her help our son Tom was able to not only learn but also pose for poster photos!

If you're interested in this full-sized, full-color poster (or the "swing" and "slide" posters) let me know: they're available for a very reasonable price!