[shy_bear]

I signed A., 28mths, up for a gymnastics class at our local rec center. Therapist thought it would be a good idea since he is SO sensory seeking. It was a NIGHTMARE!!!! All he did was scream, kick, and basically cause a scene. It is times like this that I realize he has something wrong with him, b/c at home he is just A. To top it off I was getting those looks from some of the moms; I think that is what upsets me the most. He is NOT a bad kid and they look at him like he is and I am the mom who can't control her child. Does it get easier to put them in mainstream activities once they get older?

[Barksum]

We've avoided 'mainstream' like the plague, so I can't tell you if it gets better. I do think that one, maybe two?, of my kids could do certain activities now, but none of my kids would have been able to do that before, oh, maybe age 5?

They did do some (very few) activities in groups as younger kids. They did better when there were a limited number of kids, they felt comfortable with the adults in charge, the adults in charge knew about and understood my kids' issues, and the room wasn't too large or full of distractions. We found so few activities that fit this criteria that we began to basically avoid them.

However, we DID do lots with groups of friends who had a wide age range of kids. This seemed to work well for getting my kids into doing things. The older kids were usually more patient, willing to accomodate without 'spoiling' the kids, and willing to end an activitiy when the littler kids had had enough, not having to stick to a particular time frame for activities. These kids were involved with our church, and also just groups of family friends. We'd get together for a potluck with a couple of our families and the kids would all work it out. (With some parental supervision and help. But we're talking about families with kids in their early 20's on down to infants in arms.)

[marykath]

Oh, boy, do I hear you! Our daughters are sensory-seeking and we tried gymnastics, too. What a nightmare! I think a great deal of gymnastics, even at the toddler age, has to do w/ sitting in circles and standing in lines and listening to directions.
The one sport they have found success with is swimming. We started off with a mommy-and-me class and worked our way up. Sensory kids love swimming and love to swim and dive deep - something about the water pressure on their bodies.
Maybe try your local YMCA? That's where we went.
I also understand how you feel about the other moms. Hugs!

[AmyAnne]

What about a "water babies" class where parents swim with their kids. It's all games about blowing bubbles in the water and stuff.