Physical Activities for Special Needs Children

by Lorna d’Entremont

 Whether your special needs child has a visible disability, like Cerebral Palsy or Down Syndrome, or an 'invisible' disability like Autism, Asperger’s or Tourettes, chances are you're constantly advocating for doors to open to a better life. A fit child has the odds stacked in his favor for a better life. Also physical activity is important because usually inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. Make sure that your child has his rightful physical education program at school and be instrumental in adding physical activities at home.

 Where to Start?

Do it right and have peace of mind. Check with your family doctor, have your child evaluated and find out what sports/physical activity would be suitable for him or her. Be sure you're aware of any risks your child faces, get familiar with the proper safety precautions needed and familiarize yourself with any equipment needed. Almost any kind of disability can be accommodated with adaptive exercise/sport equipment or certain technique adjustments.

Physical Education Programs Available in Schools for SN Kids

Physical education programs in schools involve physical fitness, motor fitness, fundamental motor skills and patterns, aquatics skills, dance skills, individual, group games, and sports (including lifetime sports).

Children with Special Needs are children first with the same needs and desires as their peers. The difference is that SN kids need adaptations and extra support. Make sure your child is participating and not sitting on the bench! If your youngster absolutely refuses or physically cannot join his peers during physical education classes, he should be engaging in alternative physical activities at his level of comfort and this should be included in the child’s Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

In the United States to support their ability to learn in school, three Federal laws apply to children with special needs:

• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (1975)

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990).

PE Central site states: “Special physical education/Adapted Physical Education (APE) is a federally mandated component of special education services [U.S.C.A. 1402 (25)] and ensures that physical education is provided to the student with a disability as part of the child's special education services.”

 Under US federal law, special needs children are entitled to participate in organized sports, physical education and recreational programs unless their presence puts them or someone else in danger. Many cities and towns now offer adaptive recreation classes and sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, swimming, bowling, and tennis… SN kids can enroll in summer camps, Scout groups, dance groups, yoga classes...which  now cater to all groups of youngsters.

Research has shown that children have a better attention span and learn better when their school days include active breaks. Moreover, active kids have a better appetite, usually have more hours of sleep and a better quality of sleep and that, in itself will improve their concentration and learning abilities. Active students often show improvement in all round behavior and self-confidence.

It is recognized that the physical, mental and social benefits of keeping active build a foundation for a better teen and adult life.  Parents of special needs children must make sure their child’s daily physical fitness needs are met and this will include active play time at home also.  At home, make it a family affair and best of all have fun!