I have a nine-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with ADHD, mood disorder NOS and PDD-NOS (mild autism spectrum). He's been having a really hard time lately and as a result we all have as a family. He is bored all the time and has no idea how to play on his own. I am trying to find something that he can be involved in that will really help him. I have looked into our local rec department and into swimming lessons. The swimming lessons start too soon and everything at the rec department is either already under way or not the correct age for him. Does anyone have any ideas that I might not have thought of? I have considered Karate or some other martial arts but I am afraid he will try to use it to hurt me or his peers and am afraid it would be too difficult for him to attend since his meds will have worn off by then (for evening activities). The guidelines for the funding are that I need to apply 30 days prior to start date, and it needs to be "relevant to the child’s diagnosis and needs" and I need to be able to identify "what long lasting skill the child will gain from this activity to help with the child’s current diagnosis." The activity also needs to be "inclusive and involve social interaction." They used to fund horse-back riding but they won't do that anymore.
My 7 yo with PDDNOS & ADHD has had success with swimming, karate and tennis!
Rather than "regular swimming lessons," can you use the funding for private swimming lessons. Or just a pool pass to the local pool? Also, are there any "lego camps" that come to your town? What about Boy Scouts? Private/small group music lessons? Gym membership? What educational areas does he need work on? Perhaps there is a handwriting class or math "camp" that he can attend?
Good luck!
My 10 yr old son has PDD-NOS and also has tough periods. While 'play' would be ideal, my son actually enjoys 'work' like raking, shoveling, sweeping, etc that gets his whole body moving and using large muscle groups. Perhaps your son could work in the stables doing grooming, stall raking, moving hay bales, etc in exchange for discounted hippotherapy? If not, the martial arts could be a terrific choice - I realize in Maine it is still cold and snowy! You are very fortunate to have funding for some activities, so I hope you find a way to capitalize on that opportunity!
On a separate but related note... you may want to check into Brain Balance on Route 114 in Danvers. There is also a book that you can buy that could help with your son's overall diagnoses. From my understanding it helps to switch on certain parts of the brain which is often the underlying issue. It is worth checking out. That is about all I know. Hope that helps!
Forgot to say I know people who moved to Georgia to have access to this... and this location just opened up. Here is a link to his story. I think you will find it encouraging. http://www.emergingdanielcompany.com/brain_Balance_Story....
B.
Try Tae Kwon Do. If it doesn't work, pull him out, but perhaps it will. Try and get into the swimming if you all can make it work. Sometimes, things such as dog walking (nurturing), horse back riding can help (such a shame that isn't funded). I wonder if piano or something would be good for him, he would have that one on one interaction with a teacher and learning a skill. How about a theater camp?
