Get out, explore, and have fun! How families of children with autism or Asperger syndrome can get the most out of community activities

Getting out, exploring, and having fun: why does it matter?|Before you start: preparing yourself and your child to get out, explore, and have fun|How to learn about and select community settings for your child and family|Sports and autism|Scouts, 4-H, the YMCA, and other youth groups|Scouts, 4-H, the YMCA, and other youth groups|Museums, zoos, aquariums, and more|Autism and faith communities|The visual and performing arts|Summer camps and the natural world|Special interests, clubs, family outings, and other ideas|Selling the idea of inclusion.

"If you are the parent of a child with Autism or Asperger syndrome, you may feel that involvement in the community is not possible for your family. This book sets out to change that with a rich and varied menu of suggestions of how you can take a full part in community life and support the strengths and interests of your child at the same time. [Here] is your guide to what's out there, how to find it, and how to make it work for your family. It includes hints and tips for involving your family in the right community activities... and resources and ideas to help your child build on their strengths, interests and preferred learning styles." - BOOK JACKET

Lisa Jo Rudy’s past experiences include developing exhibits and interactive games and working with museum professionals to develop their understanding of the importance of inclusion. She has used all that experience to good effect in writing this book. The style is both easy to read and flows nicely.
A range of activities is discussed. Including sports, scouts, museum and zoo visits and on to faith communities, summer camps and the arts. Within that context Lisa offers tips on ways to help achieve a successful outcome for each activity; focusing on the before-starting out time and the time spent during the actual event. She also examines why a particular activity would be suitable.
The need to include the children themselves in all stages of planning is stressed. Finally I particularly liked the success stories supporting all of this advice.
This would be suitable for all those considering holding an event or activities for children with Autism, whether they are parents, community leaders or teachers.