Should I push my child into attending a Scout Camp?

Hi, I’m looking for advice on how to deal within my recently diagnosed ASD and ADHD son who is 10, when it comes to getting him to try new activities. He has been on Scout camps before and we think he enjoys it once he’s there but we have another camp coming up and he’s adamant that he doesn’t want to go. No discussion. And he gets upset when we try to talk about it - he can’t explain why, he just insists he doesn’t want to go. His older brother wants to go and he has school friends who are going, who want him to go. But he’s just refusing. He has a habit of saying no to almost every new activity and most weeks complains about going to Scout meetings even though he comes out smiling each time. He just hates the idea of any extra-curricula activity. So, do we make him go as we think he will enjoy it once he’s there, or do we let him miss it while his brother goes? We don’t want him to miss out on fun things, but is forcing him doing more harm than good? Any thoughts much appreciated. Thanks! 

Parents
  • It would be easier for him if you plan things far in advance so he has time to come round to the idea. Give him stuff to look at, and read, and perhaps have him Google the location etc. The more information you give, the better. It’s all about him being uncomfortable about changes in his routine, and the stress if new environments. That’s why he immediately says no. I do the same. It’s a lot to process and deal with.

Reply
  • It would be easier for him if you plan things far in advance so he has time to come round to the idea. Give him stuff to look at, and read, and perhaps have him Google the location etc. The more information you give, the better. It’s all about him being uncomfortable about changes in his routine, and the stress if new environments. That’s why he immediately says no. I do the same. It’s a lot to process and deal with.

Children
No Data