HB Autism Summit
Autism Occupational Therapy
Resource Toolkit
Leisure
Leisure
” I use [table top role playing games] as a way to build an environment I feel safe in, that I can practice and play in, and that I can thrive in. This should be an option for other autistics, and even if maybe they’ll need a little help to get started, that is okay. I want to repeat that mistakes happen—you’re a human, mistakes happen, to everyone—and it’s what you do with that learning experience that matters. . . I am here to tell you: you are allowed to play this game. You are allowed to run this game. You will make mistakes. But done correctly, this is a place to make lower-risk mistakes, and learn from them. And heck is it fun.” – Shawna Spain
This section contains resources aimed at supporting autistic individuals in recreational tasks. In addition, diverse assessments to measure participation in physical activity, activity preferences, motor skills, etc to promote occupational engagement in leisure activities. Aquatic and therapeutic programs, sport and fitness programs, and creative art and movement programs available in Ontario are listed. These program documents are frequently updated.
Recreation
This blog post by autistic advocate Shawna Spain details her experiences getting involved in table top role playing games, the life skills she learned while running her own games, as well as the enjoyment she has while playing.
This Toronto Recreation Guide is designed for families who have children with disabilities. The reference guide was created by Family Support Specialists with input from families and youth of Holland Bloorview. It is a list of sports, hobbies, groups and programs that may be of interest to some children and families to support participation in meaningful leisure occupations.
This article written by Patrick Jachyra and Bri Redquest for Autism Ontario outlinies strategies to support autistic children and youth to participate in physical activity. The article includes links to physical activity resources.
In this article, written by Maureen Bennie for Autism Ontario, she highlights the importance engaging in leisure activities. She offers tips to support autistic children and youth to find and participate in meaningful leisure activities.
An Autism Speaks resource to support families of autistic children in finding recreational opportunities. Highlights the benefits and provides some strategies to increase successful participation.
This is a free app with some in-app purchases required. It is designed for families and children with autism. Users can follow along in short videos designed to encourage movement to promote a mindful state.
This is a free app with some in-app purchases required. It is designed for families and children with autism. Users can follow along in short videos designed to encourage movement to promote a mindful state.
This is an evidence-based outcome measure designed to capture a client’s self-perception of performance in everyday living, over time.
(cost associated with assessment).
The PACS is an easy and fun way to develop occupational profiles for children ages 5-14 years. Any diagnosis as long as the child has an appropriate developmental age of 4 years can respond to the pictures and questions. The PACS is intended to provide a profile of a child’s occupational repertoire at a specific point in time.
(cost associated with assessment).
Children’s Leisure Assessment Scale (CLASS) is a self-report, multidimensional questionnaire developed to examine school-aged (10-18 years) children’s engagement in leisure activities.
The MABC-2 is a standardized measure that assesses motor competency in children and can be used for children aged 3-16 years.
(cost associated with assessment).
The CAPE and the PAC are two companion measures of children’s participation. Both are self-report measures of children’s participation in recreation and leisure activities outside of mandated school activities.
(cost associated with assessment).
Recreational Programs
Aquatics and Therapeutic Swimming Programs
This document highlights swimming lessons, adapted swimming lessons, and recreational swimming programs available for children of all ages and abilities in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, Oakville, and Burlington.
Creative Arts, Dance and Movement Programs
This document highlights creative arts and dance programs available for children of all abilities and ages. These programs are available in Oakville and Georgetown.
Sports and Fitness Programs
This document highlights a variety of sports and fitness programs that are available for children of all abilities and ages. These programs are available in several city districts within Ontario.