Can someone recommend specific programs and activities for high functioning ASD/ADHD kids ages 8 and 13?

[Anonymous]

I am really struggling with this, because the neurotypical activities (i.e. rec soccer, dance class, whatever) don't always work out well, but then I look at stuff like TOP Soccer and some of these social skills groups, and based on website or marketing photos it seems like they may be geared for a different (lower) functioning chlid.

For example, I don't think it would be a good fit to bring my 13 year old ASD level 1 daughter to a group of similarly-aged girls with intellectual disabilities.

I will take ANY recommendations of activities that have been a good fit for other kids in this age group who struggle with emotional regulation and demand avoidance, but are intelligent and relatively high functioning. We are based in McLean but will travel!

[Anonymous]

Robotics, rock climbing, and D&D have been the most successful for my similar kid. She also did -- and loved -- a board game night for ND teens. Your daughter is still a year too young for the one mine did, but putting it out there for the future: https://gamenight.space/

[Anonymous]

My AuDHD kiddo loves parkour and chess

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am really struggling with this, because the neurotypical activities (i.e. rec soccer, dance class, whatever) don't always work out well, but then I look at stuff like TOP Soccer and some of these social skills groups, and based on website or marketing photos it seems like they may be geared for a different (lower) functioning chlid.

For example, I don't think it would be a good fit to bring my 13 year old ASD level 1 daughter to a group of similarly-aged girls with intellectual disabilities.

I will take ANY recommendations of activities that have been a good fit for other kids in this age group who struggle with emotional regulation and demand avoidance, but are intelligent and relatively high functioning. We are based in McLean but will travel!

This doesn't sound good. Just as kids with autism have a range so do ID kids. Kids with ID have problems with academic learning. You would not be able to pick out my ID kid at the mall. Look at Open Door Sports.

[Anonymous]

"I am really struggling with this, because the neurotypical activities (i.e. rec soccer, dance class, whatever) don't always work out well"
What does "don't always work well mean?"

For MoCO Rec, you can ask for a "companion" / aide when you register for a class. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/activitiesandprograms/therapeuticrec/inclusionservices.html

[Anonymous]

Why don’t the ones you’ve tried work out well? What specifically are you looking for?

[Anonymous]

OP here - I didn’t try any - I am talking about traditional activities and sports not working out well.

They aren’t awful or anything but it’s stuff like when my son is dancing around the soccer field and his peers are frustrated that he’s not on task.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I didn’t try any - I am talking about traditional activities and sports not working out well.

They aren’t awful or anything but it’s stuff like when my son is dancing around the soccer field and his peers are frustrated that he’s not on task.

Maybe he just doesn't like traditional activities and sports. If he's dancing around on the soccer field, maybe he's just not interested in playing soccer. Look for something that holds his interest. My ADHD/Anxiety kid loves to swim and dive--she does not do summer swim; it's too much. But she loves year round swim and diving---both are individual sports. My ADHD/Anxiety/ASD/DMDD kid loves his D&D group, tennis, parkour, and robotics.

[Anonymous]

Imagination Stage tends to be pretty good at inclusion. They often have high school students volunteer as "inclusion facilitators" to help out in classes.

Also - if your child has difficulties with emotional regulation and demand avoidance to the point he has trouble in mainstream activities, then he might do better in activities for kids with "lower functioning" disabilities. Even if he is on the higher end, they may be able to meet his needs. I wouldn't write that off without trying it.

[Anonymous]

Drumming, board game clubs, comic book classes/groups, D&D, sometimes yoga, tai chi, non-typical kinds of dance like line dancing, square dancing, contra dancing, art or ceramics classes if interested, theatre or theatre tech, geocaching, rock climbing.

If your kid is interested in playing an instrument I would 100% recommend trying that, there is acceptance of neurodiverse kids in music.

[Anonymous]

Is he only 8? That’s a hard age but things will be easier soon.
Small group karate might work. Or something like fencing. Basically more individual sports that don’t require team dynamics.
Agree there is a lot of tolerance for diversity in robotics, chess, theater.

[Anonymous]

Swimming has been a great fit for my ASD 1 kid. I think being in the water offers her a sensory experience that is so soothing, she can focus better and has a (somewhat) higher frustration tolerance.

Finding the right setting and coach took trial and error. We do privates or semi privates (with two other children she already knows) with a swim instructor who has experience with ASD.

[Anonymous]

For your DD: Solo activities like biking, running, swim, tennis, horseback, instrumental music, Lego, etc have been good fits for my ASD level 1 DD. They give her an extracurricular skill set without the pressure of figuring out social cues from NT peer girls. If you’re trying to get her clicked into peer friend groups, Girl Scouts are pretty accepting. Also idk if you’re religious at all but religious youth groups at a house of worship are usually very accepting (assuming the religion fits your family philosophies). Consider asking the school counselor if any other ASD level 1 families might want to connect. If you took her to any PT/OT/ST practice when she was younger, ask if they have small group social skills classes now. If they don’t have a group going now, tell them you’re up for a pairing in the future. The conversation building skills are helpful in those groups when DC is matched with a same level peer.

[Anonymous]

Adaptive Ski lessons (we did the ones at Ski Liberty). 2:1 instruction, nice learning opportunity, exercise, and can translate into a family activity.