Other activities
Some years ago, we organised a session at Craggy Island in Guildford, where – under the close supervision of instructors, and wearing harnesses and helmets - you can have a go at scaling the indoor rock faces.
The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon organises a number of events geared for children with special needs. They ran a theatre workshop (suited to more able children) for us, themed around the production of Big Friendly Giant, and which taught some acting and theatre skills.
Cinema trips – where we take over all the seats in a (small) cinema – have also been enjoyed in the past. It’s a good way of easing a child in gently if they dislike a dark (and noisy) environment. And people won’t “Ssshhh” you if your child voices his displeasure or fear by screaming or running out.
Santa Claus always attends our Christmas party, but children choose whether or not to visit him. Last year, we enjoyed a number of “breakthroughs” when some children, who had always previously refused to have anything to do with Santa, agreed to approach him and collect a gift.
No single activity will ever suit all children, so we encourage parents to recommend places that they have visited or to suggest things that they would like to try.
