08/12/2023
Does your child have a special interest? Did you know it can be beneficial to encourage this? Check out the many ways you can encourage and expand on your child’s special interests:
📖Allow them to research and learn more about their interests. Some benefits of research: learning how to navigate the internet for mor information, using the library to research, and conversating with others to learn more. How can this expand their interests? Let's use insects as an example. If your child loves insects, they may want to research the different parts of the body of certain insects, then they may find interest in drawing them and this can create a love for drawing!
⭐️Special Interest Groups: Special interests can facilitate making friends with other people with the same interests. Your child may feel more comfortable making friends this way because they can talk about their interests as much as they want!
🤝Join them in their special interests: This will create a new bond between you and your child. Do not judge them for their interests and do not try to stop their interests (unless it is harmful or damaging). Show genuine interest by asking them questions and offering them new information about the subject.
🚗Go on outings that involve their special interests in some way. Some benefits you may see are learning safety out in the community, they may meet new people who share the same interests, and they get to explore new place. An example of how their interests may expand is that they will see something new that is interesting. For example, if your child loves trains they may be interested in going to a miniature train museum. While at the museum they may get the motivation to build their own miniature railroad and scenery. From there an interest in architecture or engineering may blossom!
Ask your ABA team for more information!
