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After-school activities and programs benefit the academic performance of children without disabilities. While research studies on benefits of after-school programs have not included individuals with autism, it is easy to see how beneficial after-school programs could be for not only increasing academic skills but also generalizing social skills learned in the classroom.

After-school care is also a necessity for parents who work or cannot provide care at home outside of school hours. Unfortunately, appropriate after-school programs for children with autism can be challenging to find. While summer is just getting underway, it may be time to look into after-school care options for next school year.

In After School Care for Children on the Autism Spectrum, Michelle R. Haney, PhD, at Berry College, Mount Berry, Ga., surveyed 55 parents to find out more about after-school care for children with autism. She found that while some after-school programs existed for younger children with autism, only 33 percent of parents found the care to be a positive experience.

Based on the results of the survey, Dr. Haney makes suggestions to keep in mind for a successful after school program:

• Ideally, someone familiar with your child is involved in the after-school care. For example, a para-educator who works with your child during the school day may also be on the staff of the after-school program.

• Teachers in the after-school program should to communicate with your child’s classroom teacher before the after-school program begins to learn about your child.

• Look for after-school care settings that include staff familiar with autism, contain structured activities, foster social exchanges, and have predictable routines.

• While after-school care connected to the school may be easiest for your child in terms of familiarity, these programs are not always set up with children who have autism in mind. Investigate other after-school options such as the YMCA, religious organizations, or even neighbors or family members who look after groups of children after school.

Dr. Haney notes that many parents struggle with finding after-school care for older children with autism and points out that little research exists on best practices and programs. She encourages parents to work with current care providers to understand the needs of children with autism. Further research and attention to this topic is increasingly important as more children access after-school services.

References

Haney, M.R. (2012). After School Care for Children on the Autism Spectrum. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21 (3), 466-473.