Recreational Therapy: 5 Benefits for Your Special Needs Loved One

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Fish for Life

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We all know how important it is to make time for leisure and recreational activities. It’s a way for us to destress and revitalize our body, mind and spirit. For your special needs loved one, these recreational activities can mean so much more for them — these activities are therapy for them.

Your special needs loved one should feel included and apart of society. One of my favorite programs, Fish for Life -- centralized in Southern California -- takes special needs individuals (SNI) out to sea and we teach them how to fish. Our world has placed stigmas on how we should treat and attend to special needs individuals. It is our mission to break down those stigmas and to provide therapy with just a little extra love and a whole lot of fun!

Many of you may not even know what your special needs loved one enjoys. I recommend that you work within the circumstances of your loved ones interests and skills — exposure is the key! Give them opportunities to try different activities to see if there is one or two that work for them.

The traditional idea of leisure and recreation requires a little more thought and effort. Leisure skills must be taught to SNI. Teaching these skills will increase their self-esteem and confidence to carry out these activities and develop a deeper bond with their loved ones.

To help you better understand how recreational activity can turn into therapy, I rounded up some benefits of organized recreational activities for SNI:

1. Social Interaction - It can be difficult to introduce SNI into social situations for a variety of reasons. Recreational activities can gradually help a special needs individual learn what to expect and to look forward to a positive social experience.

2. Structured Play - Recreational programs can be a way for SNI to unwind from their structured day in a positive way. It is a great energy release method. They allow your SNI to have, but in a semi-structured way so that they continue to know what to expect.

3. Self-Esteem - After a few consistent recreational sessions, a SNI can experience a great sense of accomplishment. This leads to a boost in confidence and self-esteem and your special loved one will carry that with them everywhere they go. In addition to a boost in self-confidence, they will increase their fitness and motor skills, and general levels of happiness.

4. Communication - SNI tend to act a certain way when they are trying to communicate their needs. Recreational activities help pinpoint their needs and motivate healthy ways to communicate in everyday life. Communication skills are built during these sessions by playing and interacting with other in a natural environment.

5. Respite Care - Organized recreational programs often allow parents and caregivers the time to regroup, relax and socialize with each other. By stepping back and observing your SNI during these programs, you can see what strategies and activities work best for them. The best part of these programs is that you get to watch your child develop and master skills with a smile on their face!