I was in the chat forum this morning and there was some great discussion going on related to socialization and peers. This couldn’t be more timely as this issue has presented itself a few times over our holiday vacation.
One family gift this season was the game playing system called the Wii. You play video games but, unlike other systems, you act out the game. So, if you are bowling then you physically get up, hold the remote like a bowling ball, and bowl as if you’re in an actual bowling alley. It’s a lot of fun … if you like to interact with others and are a good team member – suffice to say, this is not a strength of my son with autism.
We had a family bowling competition (I scored a 170 and came in 2nd), and Ian didn’t want to participate. I expected this would happen, since he will refuse to do something if he cannot do it correctly. He’s an all or nothing kind of kid I say and this is a challenge in itself.
I know that trying and failing is about as bad as it can get and I know, if this happens, Ian will never play the Wii again. You have to have some coordination, a bit of stamina too and, most importantly, interact with others throughout the game.
It was quite an ordeal, but Ian was persuaded to play, and we all made a big deal out of it. We cheered and chanted for him, but we didn’t fix the game to ensure he won. He handled not winning with grace but was absolutely exhausted after one game. He began to fidget, hang upside down on the couch, and this told me we had reached our max.
I was excited that he played, but I obviously noticed how hard it was for him, and how interaction simply didn’t come easy. This is not anything surprising to me, I simply want to notice it and continue working on it.
In gym class last year the kids had a unit called ‘speed stackers’. Children essentially stack these cups, against a timer, and there are competitions nation-wide (I had no idea). Ian’s motor skills don’t allow him to be overly competitive, but the interaction is parallel, since children are stacking side by side but still working ‘alone’. This kind of activity is a great one for us because it isn’t too demanding but allows opportunity for interaction.
I can’t say enough about Toobeez and this toy is a prime example of an activity that matches the needs of children with special needs (they even have a special needs section full of ideas and activities). As soon as you see the toy, you’ll understand why this is an ideal tool for teaching; especially teamwork and social interaction.
I’m sure you have ideas and have been creative in your attempts to promote socialization, especially with peers, so if you care to share them please do so by posting below.
Happy New Years to All of You – I wish everyone a happy and progressive year!
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