“What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear!
“Other than adding some fun to life, does laughter help us in any other ways? Most importantly, will laughter help our children on the autism spectrum learn?
The answer is … YES! Humor helps retain learning.
“In The Son-Rise Program® playroom, we play together, and we learn together. Laughter helps us relax and can help move us out of ‘fight, flight, or freeze’ mode. So, for your child on the Autism Spectrum, adding humor and laughing to your play can be powerful tools in helping your child learn new skills. Laughing together is a way to connect!
“What did the mother buffalo say to her baby? Bye son!
“The bond of shared experiences creates a deeper connection in your relationship with your child. Have you ever shared an inside joke with a friend? One of you says, ‘Remember the time….’ You and your buddy end up laughing until you can barely breathe while everyone around you looks at you with no idea what could be so hilarious. That feeling of camaraderie between you and your friend is useful in your Son-Rise Program playroom as well.
“Laughter helps us build our relationships by helping your Son-Rise Program playroom be an environment that your child feels loved and appreciated, and comes away from their experience with the sense of ‘that was fun!’
“Why did the dinosaur cross the road? Because the chicken wasn’t born yet.
“Let us know what has gotten the biggest laugh out of your child this week!!!!”
Written by Suzanne Pruss, Son-Rise Program Teacher