Resources for 5 year old boy on Autism Spectrum (Mamaroneck, Larchmont: school, camps)

[noelm]

A family friend recently moved to While Plains. Their 5 year old has Autism, pretty high functioning I would say. Hard to figure out until you start talking to him. He can not have a back-and-forth conversation, but otherwise looks OK or even smarter compared to regular 5 year olds. They are looking for some resources for him, like music lessons, karate stuff, swimming lessons, basketball or soccer, skating etc. during appropriate time of the year.

They checked few places and seems like as soon as they tell that the boy has Autism, the facility does not have a program anymore, even before meeting the kid.

Anybody has idea about any one stop place to find resources or if there is any local mailing list of the parents of special needs children etc.?

Any pointer is welcome.

Thanks in advance.

[GTDJ519]

The Larchmont Music Academy has fantastic music programs for children. Both of my have attended them since 4 months old and still go.
They recently started a music class for children with special needs. I have not taken part or or know anyone that has done the special needs class, but the staff there is top notch, all professionally trained and certified, and some of the nicest people to interact with. They are good about doing trial classes to see if the child has an interest or if the parent likes it etc. Hope that helps.

[jjinla]

We took programs through the Southeast Consortium in Mamaroneck. It's like a normal rec program with an assortment of activities but targeted to kids with different needs. Highly recommend them.

[MLLM123]

Perhaps they could just NOT advise places their son is autistic? I mean, until he gets involved in an activity and only if it he has limitations that become an issue. Some places assume if you mention autism, you are the parent of a child who needs help with basic self-care.

My son is borderline PDD/high functioning autism. We've had conflicting diagnoses of him. I don't really care what the specific diagnosis is anyway. What matters is that we address his needs so he can reach his full potential. He is extremely bright and most people would never know there was anything wrong with him because we have worked so much with him (he is 8). He has been in OT, speech, and PT. Most adults that get to know him and are familiar with the autism spectrum see his social skill issues and sensory problems. But people who don't just think he is a bit odd.

Anyway, because he is so high functioning, we do not make a habit of informing extracurricular activity people of his diagnosis. I want him treated like everyone else. At school, his only accommodation so far is that he can squeeze a squishy ball in his desk when he gets stressed.

At any rate, we have been successful with soccer, t-ball and baseball, drama, music, tae kwon do, and more. He is not very athletic and thus is not the best at team sports. But there are other weak links on teams at this age. And there are so many other kids with issues, he doesn't stand out. His one and only issue was with fencing. He really wanted to try it, but he struggled with the coach. He could not understand the coach's eastern European accent AT ALL. I mean, he has enough trouble understanding body language. When he couldn't understand spoken language too, he was miserable. And the coach rudely asked him one day if he was deaf. That was it. He refused to return.

I will note that drama classes and camps are fantastic for kids with high functioning autism. Not only does my son enjoy them, they are good at teaching about body language and expression and helped him become aware of these things.

I don't live there yet, so can't help with specific recommendations. I hope your friend finds some activities her son enjoys.