Tech-savvy summer: Nurturing my autistic son's passion for technology

Rose Mabiza • 7 mins read

15 November 2023

Tech-savvy summer: Nurturing my autistic son's passion for technology in London - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

As the summer holiday approaches, I am excited to embark on a unique journey as a parent of an autistic child with a deep passion for technology. With the school year ending, I am determined to provide him with a fulfilling and enjoyable break centred around his interests.

In this blog, I will share my journey of preparing for our summer break and offer practical strategies for nurturing our child's love for technology while creating a meaningful and memorable experience.

Designing a technology-integrated schedule in Birmingham - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

Designing a technology-integrated schedule

To ensure my son's passion for technology is nurtured while maintaining balance, I establish a daily schedule incorporating technology-related activities. This structured routine will allow him to engage with his favourite games, explore interactive apps, and enjoy educational videos on platforms like YouTube.

By integrating technology into our routine, I can ensure that my child's passion is nurtured while maintaining a balanced schedule.

Curating educational games and encouraging coding exploration in Manchester - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

Curating educational games and encouraging coding exploration

I have researched and curated a collection of educational and age-appropriate games that align with his interests. These games will entertain and foster his cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.

Furthermore, I plan to encourage him to explore coding or programming activities through child-friendly online platforms, enabling him to acquire valuable skills while having fun.

Engaging with tech-focused community programs in Liverpool - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

Engaging with tech-focused community programs

While community programs, summer camps, or workshops that specifically focus on technology and STEM-related activities may have already started, I am actively seeking opportunities for my son to engage with like-minded peers and participate in hands-on technology projects.

In my search for these opportunities, I ensure that they offer a supportive and inclusive environment that considers my son's unique needs as someone on the autism spectrum. This may include enquiring about specialised support or accommodations that can help make the experience enjoyable and rewarding for him.

I believe I can foster his passion, promote socialisation, and encourage collaboration by actively seeking out these opportunities. These experiences will nurture his love for technology, provide him with essential life skills, and create lasting memories of a summer spent exploring and growing in his area of interest.

Creating tech-based family activities in Bristol - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

Creating tech-based family activities

To forge strong bonds and meaningful memories, our family will engage in technology-based activities together. While it may seem counterintuitive, technology can be a valuable tool for promoting family connection and bonding.

We plan regular movie nights featuring educational documentaries or animated movies to spark curiosity and encourage discussion. Watching films together can help us share knowledge and stimulate meaningful conversation. We can also explore complex themes and ideas through animated films, which can be a fun way to do so. We can explore virtual museum tours, science experiments, and music lessons available online, allowing us to grow together as a family and explore new interests.

Overall, engaging in technology-based activities as a family can be an excellent way to create meaningful and lasting memories while also promoting learning and growth. We aim to foster his love for technology while promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle prioritising human connection and family.

Utilising local resources and organisations in Coventry - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

Utilising local resources and organisations

In addition to community programs, I am considering several other avenues to support my son's passion for technology-based learning. Exploring local resources and organisations specialising in technology education can give him unique opportunities to further his knowledge and skills in a supportive environment.

One option is looking for workshops and coding clubs for children and teenagers. These programs are often led by experienced instructors who can guide him, work alongside peers who share similar passions, and foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Local libraries and maker spaces can also be valuable resources for technology-based learning. Many libraries offer free or low-cost workshops and classes on coding, electronics, or digital media production.

By exploring these local resources and organisations that support technology-based learning, my son can engage in workshops and coding clubs, access specialised equipment and resources, connect with mentors and professionals, and utilise online platforms. These experiences will deepen his understanding and skills, broaden his horizons, inspire his creativity, and fuel his passion for technology.

Striking a balance: Screen time and self-care in Newcastle - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

Striking a balance: Screen time and self-care

Establishing clear boundaries for screen time and balancing it with offline activities is crucial for my son's overall well-being and development. It is important to recognise that excessive screen time can negatively impact physical, social, and emotional health.

To strike a balance, I plan to encourage physical play, outdoor adventures, and creative pursuits while scheduling dedicated time for technology-based activities. This will enable him to explore his interests and foster holistic development. Outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, or exploring nature can stimulate his curiosity and creativity and provide opportunities for interaction with the natural world.

Establishing clear boundaries with screen time and balancing it with offline activities, encouraging physical play, outdoor adventures, and creative pursuits while prioritising self-care can support his holistic development and overall well-being. By being intentional with our time and emphasising balance, we can ensure that technology-based activities are a valuable and enriching part of our lives without sacrificing other aspects of our physical, emotional, and social health.

Exploring low-cost or free online resources in Leicester - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

Exploring low-cost or free online resources

To make the most of our summer experience without straining our budget, I am committed to actively seeking low-cost or free online resources and virtual programs. Luckily, a wealth of options can provide my son with engaging and interactive content, enabling him to explore new technologies, learn new skills, and connect with other tech enthusiasts.

By actively seeking out these low-cost or free online resources and virtual programs, my son will have many opportunities to learn, explore, and connect within the realm of technology. From online courses and virtual programs to web communities and accessible software, these options will enable him to dive deep into subjects of interest, sharpen his skills, and engage with a larger network of tech enthusiasts. With some research and exploration, we can make the most of our summer experience without breaking the bank.

Tech-savvy summer: Nurturing my autistic son's passion for technology in Nottingham - Conclusion - Rose Mabiza - The Mandatory Training Group UK -

Conclusion

As the summer break approaches, I am eagerly embracing the opportunity to create a meaningful and enjoyable experience for my tech-savvy son. By incorporating a structured schedule, curating educational games, seeking tech-focused community programs, enjoying tech-based family activities, utilising local resources, maintaining balance, and exploring affordable online resources, I am confident in nurturing his passion for technology and fostering growth, learning, and connection.

Together, we can make this summer a time of exploration, discovery, and celebration of parenthood. Let's embrace the possibilities and create a memorable summer filled with inspiration and innovation.

Tech-savvy summer: Nurturing my autistic son's passion for technology in Sheffield - About The Mandatory Training Group UK -

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