You’ll get some great ideas for outings, camps and other recreational opportunities from the 2015 Recreation Resource Guide for Orange County,California, provided by the Regional Center of Orange County and the Comfort Connection Family Resource Center. Some listings are for summer months but there are many opportunities that are available throughout the year.

Be sure to call ahead to confirm that the information is correct BEFORE you visit.

You can view the Guide here: Recreation-Resource-Guide-April-of-2015

Jump Sky High offers a child one hour of jumping for $10 and spectators do not have to pay. It is by appointment only so it is not over crowded and there is a special court for little jumpers 8 years old or younger and another for 9 year olds to adults. There are floor guards who help to ensure that jumpers will observe safety rules.

Special Days for Special Needs Kids: The first Tuesday of every month (excluding holidays) from 2-5 p.m., special needs children can jump for only $5 (one caretaker per child may participate for free). Sky High Sports is open to the public during these hours, but music is turned off for the comfort of the guests. Sky High Sports, The Trampoline Place is located at 2970 Airway Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Call ahead for an appointment (714) 437-5867. Learn more on their website, http://ocy.jumpskyhigh.com

No learning will take place if you cannot get and retain their attention. You already know how hard that is. If they are verbal, to get their attention, say their name and make sure they are looking at you or at what it is that you want them to focus on. For example, “Johnny, point your eyes at me!” or “Johnny, point your eyes at the tooth brush!”

If they do not have language, or if you are going to need picture schedules or instructions, say “Ricky, point your eyes at your schedule, it is time to brush teeth”. Details on why and how to use schedules are below.

If you start talking to them and they are not looking at you, even if there are only two of you in the whole house, they will not assume that you are talking to them. They talk to no one in particular all the time. Why would they think that you do things differently? All of us assume that other people learn like we do or pay attention to things that we pay attention to – until experience teaches us that it is not the case.

• Show pictures of your destinations and talk about what you are going to do on your trip. If possible, make a picture book and count down the days on a calendar at least two weeks prior to leaving.
• Always inquire if theme parks have special passes or points of entry for children with special needs. Call in advance to a guest relations representative for this information.
• Prepare for loud noises by having earplugs or headphones to mute the sounds for children who have sensory issues, when visiting crowed venues.
• Practice and simulate what will occur at airport security points. Pack familiar toys like crayons, Legos, PlayDough, DVD for entertainment on board. Be sure to offer drinks, gum or hard candy especially if the child cannot tell you he is experiencing pain from pressure in his ears.
• Plan to stay one night in a local hotel or arrange for an overnight stay before attempting longer stays. Arrange for adjoining rooms and bring familiar bedding and/or blankets, if possible. Rooms at the end of a floor are typically quieter.
• Plan activities that especially interest the child. Avoid meltdowns by limiting the number of things you do each day and allow for plenty of downtime.