What are Special Needs and What Challenges Do They Present in the School Setting?
Special needs refer to any type of disability, physical or cognitive, that can impair a person’s ability to learn and function normally in a school setting. Pupils with Autism, Emotional disturbance, ADD/ADHD, Learning disabilities, Down syndrome and Physical & intellectual disabilities all need an extra level of attention that must be met within the school.
Challenges faced by special needs students in the school setting depend on the type of disability, but some of the more common issues include:
- Difficulty in understanding and retaining information
- Difficulty processing language
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Difficulty with completing tasks
- Difficulty with concentration
Generally, depending on the severity of the disability, accessing the necessary resources and support can be a challenge in itself. It is important for educators to generate an environment that is adapted to the individual needs of special needs students. Mostly, students are assessed during admission into schools and this process helps the school identify the needs of special students and put measures in place to meet the needs of the student. This document contains some measures put in place in a school called RAK ACADEMY,Ras Al Khaimah,UAE.
This can include providing accommodations such as;
- Flexible testing times and formats
- Providing assistive technology
- Offering additional support and guidance from teachers and other staff members.
5 Activities for Special Needs Students
1. Sensory play: Engaging with sensory activities can be a great way to help autistic children explore their environment. Activities like putting together puzzles, playing with playdough, and painting with watercolours can help stimulate their senses and promote social interaction.
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Research has shown that Sensory Play is beneficial to kids:
- Improves cognitive growth and motor skills
- Enhances handwriting
- Develops memory, problem solving skills and speech/language
- Enhances social interaction
- Teaches sensory attributes
- Calms anxious children
Link to sensory play materials and activities from https://artfulparent.com/
2. Outdoor activities: Taking your child outdoors can provide them with a range of experiences that can help them develop their cognitive and social skills. Going for a walk in the park or playing tag in the backyard can help them learn about their environment and build relationships.
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Importance of outdoor play:
- Improves social skills and independence
- Prompts speech/language
- Promotes health
- Learn new skill/interest
- Enhances sensory skills
Here are 10 outdoor activities for special needs children from https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/
3. Arts and crafts: Creative activities like arts and crafts can be a great way to help your child express themselves. Activities like drawing, colouring, and making collages can help them develop their motor skills and increase their self-confidence.
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Usefulness of art and craft:
- Improves motor skills
- Ignites creativity
- Develops hand and eye coordination
- Builds confidence
- Increases visual learning
These are some art and craft activities and materials from https://www.katedecorates.co/
4. Music and movement: Music and movement activities can be a great way to help your child explore their emotions and have fun! Activities like dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments can help them develop their coordination and communication skills.
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Why music and entertainment?
- Enhances social interaction
- Teaches sensory attributes
- Calms anxious children
- Improves your health and wellbeing
- Builds confidence and resilience
These are some music activities and materials from https://www.teachingexpertise.com/
5. Sensory Circuit: Participation in a sensory motor circuit is a fantastic way to energize and settle children for the day. This type of activity encourages concentration and focus for the tasks ahead. It is beneficial to complete sensory circuits at regular intervals throughout the day. To ensure the best results, it is important to tailor the circuit to the individual’s sensory preferences and avoid any activities that are aversive.
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Advantages of Sensory Circuit:
- Enhances motor skills
- Promotes attention and focus
- Balance
- Manage anxiety
- Coordination
These are some sensory activities and materials from https://www.speciallearninghouse.com/
There are many opportunities to engage and provide support for autistic children. With some thought and creativity, there are numerous options available. For instance, try by establishing a special needs sensory room in a school and the ideas to fill the room with activities will flow!
Children with special needs can enjoy various types of activities when they are adapted to suit their needs!
