As a parent or guardian of a child with special needs, you may find it challenging to engage them in outside activities and let them go out. You may think that it’s not safe and may be overwhelming for them. However, the outdoors is actually a good place for them to learn and develop new skills. There are many activities that kids with special needs can try outside that will be beneficial for their development.
Benefits of Outdoor Activities
Every child with diverse needs faces an entire range of different and specific challenges. So, it is also essential to expose them outside to learn how you can aid them in their needs. While it may be more difficult for children with special needs to involve themselves in outdoor play, they still deserve its many benefits.
Physical and Sensory Benefits
Allowing kids with special needs to play and do activities outside encourages them to explore all their senses. Good play areas such as sensory gym and playgrounds develop both gross and fine motor skills. These places help kids improve mobility and coordination, the vestibular system (balance), and proprioception (body awareness and spatial skills). Children can engage in activities like swimming and yoga, which don’t trigger the same hypersensitive response. The outside environment is full of exciting and engaging sights, smells, and sounds. These factors will make them feel like experiencing life in a fresh new way. Keep in mind that the opportunity to play with others without becoming distressed or disorientated can have an incredibly positive impact on their development.
Social Benefits, Mental Health, and Wellbeing
Being outside means children can bond and cooperate with others. However, for kids with special needs, social skills don’t always come naturally. You may think that the environment outside may be overwhelming for them, but it can do wonders for their mental health. Experts and practitioners also report how outdoor play leads to improved behaviour, and makes it easier for children to build friendships. It offers opportunities to test and develop proper social interactions. Children learn how to communicate, share, deal with conflict, all while having fun in a low-stress environment. Children love to be outside, and it is also the same for those who have special needs. For this reason, outdoor activities are known to help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
Here at LUZ All Abilities, we make sure that children engage in outside activities for them to have fun, explore the environment and develop different skills.
Check out our programs and let your child grow positively.
