To think that running aimlessly round a field has no benefits

[Unintentionallycausingoffence]

Some family members have suggested taking DS to run round a field while the adults stand around chatting as a source of entertainment or a trip out. AIBU in thinking there are far more stimulating and interesting activities?. Having structure to running is better but they mean just running around

Does your son like running or is this going to be like an extra primary school PE lesson where they just make the kids run around the field x times?

Is it your child? Are they usually unbearably annoying so the suggestion of making them run around the field is so they don't interrupt the adult conversation? Have they suggested a field because the parent is the type that wouldn't control them or stop them running around a restaurant.

Depends on context, which you’ve not provided.

If it’s that people have planned a gathering in a field to catch up, you’ve said that’s not great for your DC, and someone said they can run around in the field, then yabu.

Running around has plenty benefits and kids need more opportunities to run wild, IMO

How old is he? If he doesn't like just running about bring something for him to do depending on how old he is.
Little tractors trucks, cows etc if he is little, can give hours of fun if you have a field to set them up in. Or a football or walker talkies if there will be anyone for him to play with.
A field is better than a cafe.

DS is seven going on eight. They think it’s just somewhere to go, maybe kick a football about or just run around to get some fresh air.

And would it just be your DC?

It's a perfectly fine activity tbh. The benefit is them being outside, seeing family, entertaining themselves rather than being given constant "orders" (its sad how many kids now can't do this. They look at you blankly if you tell them to play a game of their choice or say they have free time to do what they want...).

DS has ASC, communication delays and has no sense of danger, he is likely to run off if he’s being ignored, gets bored or wants to explore beyond the field. He is very fast and very few people can keep up with him, you have to be very fast and very fit. Even if I played a game with him he may still get bored. We have explained the situation that if he runs it needs to be somewhere he can’t go far or get into danger. The field they are talking about leads into a housing estate then beyond that a main road.

Quite the drip feed. Just don’t go if it doesn’t suit you.

Well that changes things quite a bit...

I hate drip feeds like that

What are you not telling us? Is DS a dog or a horse?

So you suggest something that suits your child.
The onus is on you here. You know them best.

Right, so what would you rather?

It sounds like a group outing is being proposed that isn’t suitable for DS and someone has suggested running round a field as a way to occupy him while everyone else has their outing.

Clearly this also isn’t suitable in your view and you know him best.

But do you have something else to propose instead?

That doesn’t sound unsuitable.

Is there any reason why you're just adding this important bit to your thread now?

That would be great for some kids, but obviously you know your own child best so it's up to you to say what would be better for a meet-up. Whoever suggested it was obviously trying to be nice, and you must know why in lots of cases it wouldn't be a ludicrous suggestion.

It was a rushed post really I did need to wait to compose it properly

I can think of one or two better ideas. Somewhere secure with plenty to do

My 2 year old grandson is best when he's let loose to run around somewhere. Helps him burn if energy and less running and jumping at home

So suggest that.
You haven't explained the context here at all. But sounds like suggestion was made in good faith as a way of giving your DS somewhere to burn off energy and get fresh air.
It's a reasonable suggestion.

I have definitely been in a situation many times when family have been together and the kids are getting over excited and frustrated and literally bouncing off walls and breaking stuff accidentally. we just say, "right let's go on a walk/let's go and have a run about on the field" and we all head out together.
If someone thought that was unsuitable for their child they could just say me and Johnny will stay here, or let's play in the garden, or let's go to the playground or whatever worked for them.

Did it not occur to you that this information might have been relevant from the start?

Just do those, then?

Suggest those instead then! They don’t know your child as well as you do, so they may genuinely think it’s a good idea. Communication is key here; tell them you don’t think it would work and suggest some alternatives.

Just to add… before having a child with ASD myself those things genuinely wouldn’t have occurred to me. So I wouldn’t be too annoyed at them thinking it was a good idea. Just tell them.

Most kids would be fine "running around a field", even if not their activity of choice. So if these people don't know your child, you need to guide them to a more suitable activity for him.

If they are referring to Junior park run, this can be brilliant for kids. Not too competitive, tires them out, and usually a nice cafe nearby.