Special Needs Child

Hi S.,
I applaud your determination in involving your son in activities. I am the program director for three group homes for the dev. challenged in El Monte. Depending on your son's interests, there's Special Olympics specifically designed for DD population (track & field and I know of a swim program in Whittier); there are also (every other) Friday night dances held at Palm Park in Whittier for DD population for socialization. There's also an Adult School in La Puente that some of my clients go to for arts and crafts and computer work. Del Haven in West Covina has various activities forthe special needs including camping and social groups. There is also horse back riding, I think, in Pasadena (I'd have to check) for the DD population. I always encourage getting involved in the community, non-specific for special needs, especially if the child is high functioning. There are local libraries that have great tutoring programs and reading programs; check with your local schools/community center for outdoors/exercise/music programs; church is also an option based on your beliefs; and your Regional Center should be a great resource. I primarily work with the SGPRC - that website: www.sgprc.org under the Newsletter heading has extracurricular activities ideas. I hope that helps.

hi susy, i also have been blessed with a special needs child. i live in torrance. i have a few flyers i can look for with cool things to do. one is near the la zoo. im going to try it out soon. please contact me when you can.

Norwalk has a Cultural Arts Center that offers FREE adaptive art lessons. My sister used to work for them and used to tell me about the great services they offer. Visit them at http://www.ci.norwalk.ca.us/parksandrec2.asp

Also, if you are looking for any products that are multi-sensory for children with autism, check out Discovery Toys at www.discoverytoyslink.com/fatimac
You can purchase a Autism Parent Kit for $99. It has 12 wonderful products that engage children. (That's less than $10 per item!) Email me at ____@____.com for more information.

Lastly, I would look at the community colleges (Long Beach City College, East LA College and Cerritos College to see what they offer)

Hi S.

City of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation has programs for special needs; search on google.com and find their schedule. Also the local YMCA has adapted classes like swimming. Another organization that provides recreational programs such as gymnastics and karate is Big Fun Gymnastics (www.bigfungymnastics.com) but the the fee is quite hefty at $60 per hour session. The coaches have training to work with special needs population. They have locations everywhere in LA and OC. Hope that helps.