Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
Involvement in extracurricular activities are just as important for students with ASD as it is for [their peers, classmates]. However, there are not as many activities offered specifically for students with autism. This means they might need to participate in normal extracurriculars. Extracurriculars are beneficial for students with autism for two main reasons: it allows them to socialize with their peers while also giving them a break from therapy. There are other benefits to participating in extracurriculars, too, such as an opportunity for physical activity and helps prevent the family from being isolated in the community [1].
Department of Education
Department of Education
In 2013, the Department of Education needed to clarify that schools must require equal opportunity to participate in extracurriculars for students with disabilities. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Students with a disability have the right to an equal opportunity to participate in a school’s extracurricular activities [2].
"Sports can provide invaluable lessons in discipline, selflessness, passion and courage, and this guidance will help schools ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to benefit from the life lessons they can learn on the playing field or on the court," said Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
Popular Extracurriculars
Popular Extracurriculars
All of these activities have one aspect in common: they allow autistic students to spend time with classmate or peers outside of the school environment or the classroom, and it is extremely important for development that autistic students learn how to socialize with other children. These are not the only activities an autistic student can benefit from, they just tend to the most popular among autistic students. Finding extracurriculars for autistic students to participate in is very important in regards to their development and growth. The top five activities for an autistic student to participate in are the visual arts, theater, a sport, music, or coding clubs [3].
- Visual arts allows autistic child to express their creativity, and it can be therapeutic, as well. Thinking visually is usually a strength that children with a disability possess, meaning they are likely to excel in visual arts activities. Very Special Arts, or VSA, is an international organization for the arts, education, and disabilities and they stated that art ‘“[a]rt not only gave students with disabilities a way to express themselves, but it also enhanced their self-esteem [4].”’
- Theater has shown that it can have social, emotional, and educational benefits for students with autism. It can improve skills like reading fluency and close reading skills. Students with autism tend to lack confidence, and participating in a theater activity can be a huge confidence booster for these students [5].
- Sports have proved that they can help improve self image and metacognition, which means understanding how to carry out an activity. Participating in sports can also help in the classroom and has shown to have academic benefits. Sports also allow autistic students to blow off some steam and incorporate physical activity into their lifestyles [6].
- Music is an excellent activity for autistic children because it a constructive activity. While traditional note and sight reading may be difficult for these students, there are other approaches to participating in a musical activity. Spontaneous music creative has been a more effective approach among these children, such as improv jazz or rap [7].
- Coding is becoming an increasingly popular activity among this population because it encourages high order thinking, organization, and can even improve spelling skills. Coding is the best extracurricular for autistic students that struggle socially because it is a nonverbal activity [8].
How to Incorporate a Child with Autism into Extracurriculars, as Told by a Mom
How to Incorporate a Child with Autism into Extracurriculars, as Told by a Mom
- Video Game Room at School Dances
- Non-Competitive Sports
- Hands-On Activites
- Pizza Parties and Movie Nights
- Built-In Shadows
- Minecraft
- Autistic Exclusive Activites
- Parent-Administration Oversight Committee
- High School Partnership
- Adaptive Music Club [9]
Morgan Autism Center
Morgan Autism Center
Located in San Jose, California, the Morgan Autism Center is a private school that specializes in education for autistic students. They place emphasis on extracurricular activities, especially music, fitness, art, and communication. The following video explains why they focus on those four areas for extracurriculars and why they are so important for the development of an autistic student [10].
Report abuse