Take Your Child to Camp

Whether it’s a summer camp or a day camp when kids are off from school for the day, camps help to offer kids the opportunity to enjoy some socialization with other children and enjoy the fun of a camp. For many kids these camps offer an escape and a way for them to learn something new and different from their normal school routine. These camps offer a wide variety of activities for kids with autism to have a great place to learn to socialize and continue to enjoy the benefits of the fun they can find at a camp.

Kids with autism typically have difficulty socializing because they don’t pick up on the same facial and verbal cues as those who are developing on at a typical rate. With the assistance of the staff at a camp that openly welcomes children with autism they can learn ways to socialize and make new friends who will understand the need to be patient. With some of the great activities for kids with autism at camps that are made to offer the right aspects to make it easier for kids to adjust, many kids not only have a lot of fun at these camps but they make great strides in their overall progress and development.

The best place for some awesome camps that offer the social and fun factors that kids need is at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Santa Monica, CA. This gym is specially made for kids of all ability levels to have group integration of both children with special needs and those who are developing at a typical rate. With the amazing staff and great equipment found at this awesome kids gym all kids will have lots of adventures and even enjoy the fact that during camps there are some special classes that add even more fun and awesome learning.

How Do You Know What Playground to Choose

Outdoor playgrounds are a lot of fun for all kids, but they present specific challenges for parents to deal with. At an outdoor playground that is open you have the risk of a child running off and can often find unsavory items that have been left by those with little regard to others. While there are many Kids indoor playground Santa Monica CA sometimes you just want to have some outdoor fun; here are some things to keep in mind when playing at an outdoor playground.

• Fence – Try and find one that is enclosed by a fence to slow down a child that wants to run. • Paths – If you have a child with autism, look for a wide path around the equipment, many times this will be the preferred path.

• Your Child – Make sure the items at the playground are going to be activities your child wants to enjoy, not all playgrounds are the same.

• Cozy – A child with autism will want a cozy space they can sit and get away from the rest of the crowd, look for these in any playground you choose.

• Movement - There should be lots of moving parts to the playground you choose, especially for children with autism.

• Sight – When a playground has a division into several smaller pods and gives you clear line of sight to your child this is a good thing for you.

• Nature – A natural landscape can also help to keep children calm when they see the nature around them.

Have fun outdoors, but when you want to play at one of the best indoor playgrounds for kids in Santa Monica, CA come in to We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym and have a great time. The staff is welcoming and energetic; ready to play with your kid for a great time playing together.

Equipment You Should Have for your Child with Autism

Many parents of children with autism are amazed to see and learn about the toys their children can use that will help them grow and develop.  Where does this amazement come from; the fact that these toys are the same ones they are familiar with in many ways.  In fact one of the most important pieces of autism equipment in use now is the iPad or any other tablet that can link to apps with the child’s schedule and be the communication device for any child with autism.

Many of the toys and devices used as autism equipment help with calming, nurturing and familiarity.  Some of the items you can consider for your child with autism include:

·Teen Break Box – This is a box full of items that help teens calm and refocus their attention

·ABC Look & Feel Bag – This is a bean bag full of letters for learning and addressing touch sensitivity

· Pencil Weights – This works great for higher functioning children to provide a familiar feeling

· Fidget Brushes – These help with a calming and soothing sensation

· Chew Pendants – These can be worn around the neck and used for calming through chewing when needed

·Vibrating Sensory Snail – A colorful vibrating toy that feels calming for younger children

· Spiky Cushion – Your child will have a place they think is comfortable to sit and stay calm

·Boundary Chair – Give your child a great place to sit and enjoy their time for homework or relaxation

Whether your child needs a few items for a calming effect or to help them develop the right toys will give your child the feel they want and the learning they need.  If you aren’t sure what you should purchase to help your child develop, visit our team at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Santa Monica, CA and let us help you find the right items. 

How to Understand the Signs of Autism

Caring for your child is the most important task you can ever be given in your life.  It’s your job to make sure your child or children are able to develop to become adults who will have good lives and be able to make a positive contribution in the world.  For most of us this is the greatest honor of our lives as well and the hurdles we have to overcome are typical and fairly easy to handle.  What if you have an infant that isn’t smiling by a specific age, how do you handle a child that isn’t speaking by another age?

The lack of development at the same rate as other children could be signs of autism.  It’s important for you to discuss your observations with your pediatrician who can put you on course to have your child tested to see if they have autism.  There are a variety of places for support of autism in Santa Monica CA, but you should know some of the signs that your child may have autism, which are:

·         No big smiles by six months or later

·         No sharing of sounds and expressions by nine months

·         No babbling by twelve months

·         No gesture sharing by twelve months (ex. waving, pointing)

·         No words by sixteen months

·         No two word phrases by two years of age

·         Loss of speech or social skills at any age

If your child displays one or more of these warning signs, you should visit your doctor and begin the process to determine whether or not your child has autism.  Early detection and diagnosis will allow your child to grow and develop much further using the support for autism in Santa Monica, CA that you can find, if your child is diagnosed with autism.  With this support you can find the right programs for your child to grow and develop.