Therapy & Coaching for Autism, Asperger's, ADHD
  • Home
  • Autism/Asperger's
  • ADHD/ADD
    • Adult ADHD
    • Child ADHD
  • Couples Counseling
  • CBT
  • Coaching
    • Parent Coaching
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Consultation
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
    • About Me
    • FAQ
  • Current Clients
  • Resources

Playing Outside

9/30/2009

 
Playing outside is one of the core experiences we all remember from childhood, but all too often it doesn’t happen for kids with special needs like Asperger’s, autism and ADHD. And that’s really a shame, because outdoor play is often the easiest way for all sorts of diverse personalities, abilities, and ages to interact. 

School politics can get very specific, with each child interacting with only the chosen few in a social clique. Different ages, groups and genders rarely mix at school. But kids aren’t quite so particular when it comes to neighborhood play. A lot of that just comes from opportunity. In neighborhood play, there just aren’t so many kids to choose from. It’s not uncommon for neighbors who’d never talk at school to spend days together at home, having a great time. There’s nothing wrong with this. Schools can be about cliques, but home can be much more open. Not every neighborhood friend has to turn into a best friend at school. 
The great thing about outdoor play is that it’s unstructured. There aren’t rules like there might be in team sports, there aren’t even goals or objectives. Kids can just run around, invent new games and be creative. And that’s where kids with ADHD and ASDs can really shine. Their creativity and energy may make these kids the highly sought after playmates.
​

Why don’t you give it a try? Make sure your children are spending some time in the front yard where the neighbors can find them. Pay attention to where other kids live. Then, maybe your child can take the plunge. Parents have to step back here, but it’s easy to coach your child. Just ring the doorbell, ask for the child and say something really basic like, “Hi, I’m Matthew. Do you want to come out and play?” That’s it. That may be all it take for your child to interact with peers, spend time outside, and probably have a great time.

Comments are closed.
    Picture

    Patricia Robinson MFT

    I'm a licensed therapist in Danville, California and a coach for Asperger's and ADHD nationwide. I work with individuals of all ages who have special needs, like Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADD, ADHD, and the family members and partners of special needs individuals.

    ​I'm also an engineer, with two degrees from MIT and over a decade working in high tech corporations.

    I work hard to help you solve problems and make a difference in your life.

    Archives

    February 2015
    November 2014
    September 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    December 2011
    October 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    July 2009
    June 2009
    May 2009
    April 2009
    March 2009
    February 2009
    January 2009
    December 2008
    November 2008
    October 2008
    September 2008
    August 2008
    July 2008
    June 2008
    May 2008
    April 2008
    March 2008

    Categories

    All
    Anxiety And Depression
    Bay Area Local
    Books
    College And Career Issues
    Dating And Marriage And Sex
    Executive Function
    For Parents
    Movies And TV
    Online Resources
    Social And Emotional

    RSS Feed

Patricia Robinson MFT
(925) 915-0924
9000 Crow Canyon Road Suite S-284
Danville, CA 94506
patricia@patriciarobinsonmft.com
​
Material on this website is for informational and/or educational purposes only and is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional services. Use of this website does not establish a therapeutic relationship.              
Copyright 2013 Patricia Robinson MFT All rights reserved.  
Privacy Policy  Terms of Use 
  • Home
  • Autism/Asperger's
  • ADHD/ADD
    • Adult ADHD
    • Child ADHD
  • Couples Counseling
  • CBT
  • Coaching
    • Parent Coaching
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Consultation
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
    • About Me
    • FAQ
  • Current Clients
  • Resources