Need a summer activity that is fun and for kids with sensory issues or who are on the autism spectrum? Pump It Up Playgrounds have teamed up with Autism Speaks to create a special jump time that accommodates children with those special needs. There might be one near you!
Your child might be spending part of the week attending a Summer education program. Often, the school day in the Summer is shortened by a few hours, compared to how long it would be during the regular school year. Some school districts have will Summer programs that only last a few weeks. This leaves children with a lot of extra free time for their parents to fill.
Children who have special needs such as sensory issues, or autism, can find some play environments to be unsettling. Public swimming pools are going to be filled with children and adults of all ages, and can be noisy. Playgrounds can get dangerously hot in the Summer sun. What is a parent to do?
You could check out a Pump It Up Playground. They are indoor play facilities that feature what I have heard called “bounce houses”. It has several colorful, imaginatively designed structures that are blown up with the air from a generator. Kids can take off their shoes, and jump up and down to their heart’s content in this playground. Many of them are located across the United States. Put your zip code into their website to learn where the nearest Pump It Up Playground is at, based on where you live.
Pump It Up Playground has teamed up with Autism Speaks in order to design a play opportunity that accommodates for the needs of children who have sensory issues or who are on the autism spectrum. They turn off the music that would normally be playing in the indoor playground. Staff members speak softly to the children, (instead of using loud voices to help direct them through the play area). Staff member shift from playing and interacting with the children to more of a supervisory role.
Usually, kids can play simple games like hot potato, freeze dance, or duck duck goose while they visit the Pump It Up Playground. The games have been modified to take out the competitive factor, to make them less frustrating for kids who have autism. A focus is placed on making wait times as short as possible, too. Being able to jump up and down, for as long as your child wants to, can ease some sensory needs.
This is a great place for a child who is on the autism spectrum to come and play in a safe environment that meets his or her needs. Your child could practice social skills with the other children. Another great thing about Pump It Up Playground is that it offers play activities that will be fun for children of all ages. It sounds to me like a parent could bring their child who has autism, and the child’s brothers and sisters to this playground, and they will all be able to have a good time.
Image by nekonoir on Flickr