Working with Kids with Special Needs

Working with children is challenging since every child is different regardless of whether or not a child has a specific diagnosis. However, in cases where a parent specific indicated that their child has special needs, there are a number of resources to identify how you can best support the child. In 2022, we hosted an education session on Working with Children with Special Needs. Check it out here.

Education Session: Working with Kids with Special Needs

Additional Resources:

Here’s some links to external resources with ideas for fun and appropriate activities for children with autism, ADHD and down syndrome. These articles were compiled by Care.com but are not created by Care.com. It is important to remember that there is no one size fits all activity. You should come prepared with ideas in your back pocket, but always base activities off of conversations with parents and interactions with the kids.

Autism:

• 10 Engaging Play Activities for Kids with Autism (from CircleCare Services)

• 10 Therapeutic Activities for Children with Autism (from Harkla)

• 7 Fun Sensory Activities for Kids with Autism (from Kids Konnect)

• Social Skills Activities for Elementary Students with Autism (from WaterFord)

ADHD:

• 9 Fun Activities for Kids with ADHD (from VeryWell Mind)

• After-school Activities for Children with ADHD (from Everyday Health)

• The Best Activities for Kids with ADHD (from Parents.com)

• 5 Amazing Activities for Kids with ADHD (from Mightier)

Down Syndrome:

• 12 Fabulous Fine Motor Activities for Children with Down Syndrome (from Gympanzees)

• 12 Booster Activities for Kids with Down Syndrome (from Parents.com)

• 15 Best Activities for Down Syndrome Kids (from Autism Connecticut)

• 9 Sports to Play at Home for Children with Down Syndrome (from Gympanzees)