Activities That Children Like

So what kind of things do kids with CMD like to do? I am basing this page on my son, Christopher. You may want to consider some of these activities for Children with CMyD.

Computer

Computer games and video and movement in general seems to keep these kids interested. Christopher uses both a MAC and a PC computer. Early on he used an Edmark Touchscreen but later graduated to a mouse after he hit and damaged the touchscreen. He uses most software that has an age equivalent of about 3-8 years old with most of his skills in the 4 year old range. Some software:

• Putt Putt on Moon, Parade, Zoo, Arcade
• Fatty Bear Birthday Surprise
• Just Grandma and Me
• The Tortoise and the Hare
• Thinking things 1
• Bailey Book House
• Millie’s Math House
• Sammy’s Science House
• Dr. Seuss ABC
• Blues Clues

At school he works on more “Academic” programs……

Videos & TV

Videos and TV are very captivating. The kids seem to fixate on one for a while and then lose interest and later gain it back. They will tend to act out sections of the video. For example, if the kids are running, Chris will try and copy them running. They will also ask adults or others to join in this running.  New videos take a while for the kid to learn and grow to like them. It might be a few days or weeks before they will watch them regularly.  There are movies we have not had a lot of luck with. Chris watches them for a while but then loses interest. I believe he does not follow the story line. He did like Barney’s Great Adventure though.

Books & Tapes

We were very surprised that one of Chris’s favorite activities was reading books. At school they used a set of books called Rigby Books that were very basic and had an audio portion that matched the books. He loves these. In fact, we never go anywhere now without his tape recorder and tape sets. We are not sure if he follows all the stories. I would highly recommend these tapes.

Rigby Books PO 797 Crystal Lake, IL 60039

(815) 477-3880

www.rigby.com

Moving things

Chris just loves anything that moves. His favorite is driving in the car. He loves car washes, and he really loves to ride the bus. His favorite ride at Disneyland was the Tram that took us from the parking lot to the Park. He also loves trains. They have a train museum with working trains (even steam) near us in IL. He loves to ride on the train.  He loves MD camp as they have a golf cart and he loves to ride on this.

Climbing

Climbing (if abilities allow) is something that CMD kids like to do. Chris climbs on just about everything! He loves the new play area that cities are building now with lots of stuff to climb on. The indoor play places at the fast food places are also fun for him.

Swimming

This is a really exciting activity. Chris loves to be in the water. We often get a very secure life vest and this allows him to paddle around. He really likes water parks as well. You might want to investigate hydrotherapy at your local OT or PT clinic.

Amusement Parks

These parks are full of things that make noise and move. So Chris loves these. Last year he went on a big roller coaster for the first time and he loved it! He has been to Disney and the Orlando Parks. He still likes the Tram ride from the parking lot best of all.

Acting out and Singing

While watching videos or television, kids will tend to want to act out and emulate what is on the screen. If for example the characters fall down, they will want to fall down, etc. They also like for others to participate in this. If verbal, the kids will sing along as well. Christopher is non-verbal but will try to make some sounds or whistles to accompany these areas.

Horseback riding

They have a special location where Chris can go horseback riding for about 1 hour per week. He loves to go horseback riding. He does not like to put the required helmet on though. Most areas have special locations where they help handicapped kids.

What activities are more difficult?

Hair Cuts

Chris hates to have his hair cut and this is a major ordeal for us. We have even tried to cut it ourselves but the results were less than desirable..

Dentist and Doctor

Chris does not like to go to these places and makes this well known. He gets upset just when we drive up to the location.

Computer Failure

This is a major problem when his favorite software will not run….