Play, leisure and sport
Play for children with special needs
Play is really important for all children, not just because it is fun and enjoyable, but also because children can learn a lot through playing. Some toys are designed to focus on developing specific skills or senses and others are just designed to be fun and exciting. Children can learn a whole range of things from playing, from learning about animal noises and the names of objects, to developing spatial awareness and honing coordination skills.
Children with special needs can benefit from a range of different activities and toys. The main aim of playtime is to enable children to have fun, but playtime can also build confidence, encourage the formation of friendships and relationships, develop important skills and morals and focus on specific areas of concern. For example, a child with behavioural problems can benefit from playing with toys or equipment which are designed to stimulate the mind and make them feel calm and in control. Children with physical disabilities may benefit from playing with toys or using equipment which will develop their motor skills and give them confidence.
Sport for adults and children with special needs
Sport has a range of benefits, for both adults and children. As well as being beneficial for health, sport also helps to promote positive thinking, teaches valuable life lessons, such as team work and playing by the rules, encourages friendships and reduces stress.
Some people with special needs may struggle with conventional sports but there is now a range of sports which have been adapted for people with special needs and disabilities. For example, many people now play blind football, wheelchair tennis, basketball and rugby and many leisure centres offer specialist swimming sessions. Sport can also be very beneficial for people with mental health issues or behavioural problems, as it provides a positive outlet for energy, aggression and frustration.
Enjoying leisure time
Everyone enjoys having free time to do something they enjoy, but for some people getting out and about or joining in with leisure activities can be difficult due to their physical or mental health. There is help and support available in the community to help people with special needs and disabilities to get out and about and many charities offer help with transport, as well as away days, when people go on group trips. If you want to find out more about services and help in your area, you can contact your local authority or search online for local charities and groups.