7 Highly Recommended Social Activities for Children with Additional Needs
Social activities are super important for children with additional needs. They help children develop skills, boost confidence, and make friends.
When your son or daughter can interact with others, they will feel included. With NDIS funding, families can access programs that help children get involved in these activities.
Here’s a look at 7 fun social activities that your son or daughter can enjoy.
NDIS Social Activities Are Important For Your Son or Daughter
So many good things happen when your child goes to activities with other children. These get-togethers help your child talk to people better, feel more confident, and make friends.
These activities give your son or daughter a safe place to practice getting along with others. For children with additional needs, being included in group activities is very important.
That’s how we all feel like we fit in and are not alone.
Your child will learn skills that will help them in life through social events. Your son or daughter will play with other children, share, and work together.
Many of these things can be paid for by the NDIS, which makes them easier for families to do.
NDIS Activity 1: Creative Arts Programs
Creative arts are a fun way for your son or daughter to express themselves. Whether it’s painting, music, or drama, these activities help them share their feelings.
Arts programs also encourage creativity and expression. Your child will try different activities like painting, playing an instrument, or acting.
Arts programs can also boost your child’s confidence. When they create something, they feel proud. Many local community centres run arts programs for children with additional needs.
Activity 2: Sensory Play and Learning
Sensory play is great for your son or daughter. Sensory activities like water play, tactile toys, and sound exploration are both fun and helpful.
These activities help your child improve their motor skills and feel calm. Sensory play can be especially useful for children with Autism or sensory processing issues.
It helps children understand their environment in a safe way.
By exploring textures, sounds, and sights, your child can develop their sensory processing skills. Sensory play can also be soothing, helping them manage their stress.
Many local programs offer sensory play, and NDIS funding can help pay for them.
Activity 3: Adaptive Sports and Physical Games
Sports are a great way to keep your son or daughter active. Programs like swimming, basketball, and soccer are perfect for getting your child moving.
They also help your son or daughter learn about teamwork, coordination, and strength. Plus, they allow your child to make friends and build confidence.
Adaptive sports are a fun way for children to enjoy physical activity in a safe environment. NDIS funding helps families access these programs. This makes it easier for children to get involved.
NDIS Activity 4: Outdoor Adventures and Nature Walks
Nature is great for children with additional needs. Outdoor activities like nature walks and games give your son or daughter a chance to explore the world.
A great activity for your child could be a trip to Fairfield Deer Bush Park. This park has flat pathways, accessible pathways, a wheelchair swing, and sensory play equipment like musical instruments.
Being outside also helps your child feel calm and connected to their environment. Nature is full of sensory experiences that can help your son or daughter relax and focus.
Going for a walk in a local park or nature reserve offers a change of pace. Many parks have accessible paths and sensory-friendly areas for children with additional needs.
Outdoor activities are great for physical health, too.
Activity 5: NDIS Social Skills Development Workshops
Social skills workshops are all about helping your son or daughter build important life skills. These programs teach your child how to communicate, solve problems, and get along with others.
Your son or daughter will get to practice these skills in a fun, supportive environment. The goal is to help your child build confidence in social situations.
Workshops focus on practical skills like sharing, taking turns, and managing conflicts. Social skills are so important for building relationships, and these workshops help your son or daughter practice them.
Local workshops for children with additional needs are available, and NDIS funding can make these workshops more affordable.
Activity 6: Interactive Cooking Classes
Cooking is a great activity for children with additional needs. Cooking classes help your son or daughter develop independence and teamwork skills.
They also teach practical life skills like following recipes and preparing meals. Cooking is hands-on and sensory-friendly, so it’s perfect for children who need a little extra support.
In these classes, your son or daughter will work together to make meals and learn about nutrition. They can practice skills like stirring, measuring, and chopping. This all improves your child's motor skills.
Activity 7: Group Music Therapy (NDIS)
Music therapy is a great way for your son or daughter to express their emotions. Group music therapy involves activities like playing instruments, singing, and listening to music together.
These activities are not only fun but also help your child to develop communication and social skills. Music therapy can also help your son or daughter manage their emotions and improve their mood.
Your child will learn how to work with others and express themselves through music. It’s a great way to help your son or daughter build confidence and make connections.
Many local organisations offer music therapy sessions, and NDIS funding can help cover the costs.
How NDIS Supports Social Activities for Children
NDIS funding makes it easier for families to access social activities. Through NDIS, families can get financial support for many programs.
This includes arts classes, sports programs, music therapy, and much more. Families can work with NDIS support coordinators to include social activities in their child’s NDIS plan.
NDIS funding helps cover the costs of these activities, making it easier for families to help our children get involved.
Choosing the Right Social Activities for Your Child
Choosing the right activities for your child depends on their interests and needs. Some children may enjoy arts-based activities, while others may prefer sports or music therapy.
It’s important to pick activities that help your child build skills while also having fun.
Consulting with an NDIS support coordinator can help you make the best choice. They can guide you in selecting activities that fit your child’s goals and needs.
Keep in mind, the best activities are the ones your child enjoys and that help them grow.
Feeling Stuck or Want Advice? Chat to Giuliana
If you’re looking for social activities for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to Giuliana.
She’ll be able to point you in the right direction.