With a changing economy leading more families to become dual-income households, the need for daycare and after-school programs is growing. Although most kids can adapt to after-school care situations easily, this transition is typically harder for kids with autism or autism spectrum disorders. As the parent of a child on the spectrum, finding an after-school program for your child may require a bit more research than it might for neurotypical kids.
What's So Different About After-School Care For Kids On The Spectrum?
Many traditional after-school programs require children to be within a specific developmental range and be capable of autonomous behavior before they can enroll. These limitations are usually put into place because of limited ratios of care providers to children. When there aren't enough care providers in a facility to provide continuous one-on-one support like that required for some kids on the spectrum, the environment won't be a good fit. The good news is that there are after-school programs available for kids of all developmental types, so you're sure to be able to find something that's right for your child's place on the spectrum.
What Kinds of Options Are There?
There are many different after-school programs available for kids, including those on the spectrum. The right choice will depend entirely on the kind of environment you're looking for and the amount of support that your child will need.
Mainstream programs are much like a traditional mainstream school environment. You'll find that kids on the spectrum who are enrolled in these programs will be participating in the program alongside kids who may not have a spectrum disorder at all. If your child is high functioning, this may be sufficient.
It is a popular option for kids with conditions like Asperger's syndrome who are struggling socially but don't have the same degree of sensory or processing problems that kids with autism have. The goal is to encourage social skills by having the child interact in a program with neurotypical children.
Spectrum-focused environments are often found within autism support organizations. These types of after-school programs often provide more therapeutic support for kids on the spectrum in the way of sensory integration, behavioral therapy and one-on-one support. Since these programs consist entirely of children on the spectrum, some kids find it a more welcoming and supportive environment. It allows children to socialize at their own level with other kids who understand their struggles. The welcoming and non-judgmental environment can be soothing after the demands of being in a school program all day.
Finding the right care environment for your child is never an easy task, but when your child has a spectrum disorder, it's an even more important decision. With the information presented here, you'll be in a better position to find the environment that's a good fit for your child's after-school care. To learn more, contact a company like Child Care by ABC Day Nursery of Windsor.
Share2 May 2016
Welcome to my website. My name is Julia Linder. I’m the single mother of two young children ages two and five. I work full-time and have had to have child care for my babies since they were infants. I’m a firm believer in finding child care that provides a stimulating environment for toddlers. Of course, the number one thing I look for is a safe place. Then I observe the child care while children are present. I want to see how staff interacts with the children. Another important factor for me is that my children are well socialized. I’d like to share in more detail about finding the right day care for your toddler. I hope what I share proves to be helpful to you.