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How to support Autistic players in your sporting team.
Being part of a team is fun and builds confidence, right?...Defiantly!
Sport is great for kids mental and physical health, right?...You bet!
Being part of a team is a great way to learn social skills, right?....Absolutely!
Here are some tips for sports coaches to ensure sporting teams are inclusive and Autistic children get all the great benefits of playing sport.
- 1. Get to know all of your players, especially the ones with Autism, know what their triggers may be and how they learn best.
2. Keep your routines the same. Autistic people like things to be predictable, it makes them feel safe. Keep your training at the same time, in the same location. Keep your routine at break times during games the same.
3. Be mindful of your communication. Autistic people can take things very literally, say exactly what you mean.
4. Watch for body language. If your child with Autism is looking agitated, perhaps it's time for them to take a drink break to have some time to regulate emotions.
5. Noisy and busy environments can be very overwhelming - do you need a whistle, is the siren too loud - are there any alternatives.
6. Give 1-2 instructions at a time for them to focus on. For example during this quarter focus on your player not getting the ball.
7. Monitor behaviour and social interactions - ensure they stay on task, aren't dominating the conversation or aren't being excluded.
8. Use visuals for instructions - whiteboards & demonstrations are great, prompt cards are fantastic.
9. Communicate any changes to coaches or game & training times in advance where possible.
10. Be understanding, caring and compassionate - the safer the Autistic person feels the more they can tolerate.
If you are interested in a tailored workshop where we give specific tips for your sporting club, business or organisation to create a safe and inclusive environment for our children, please get in touch. We work through how your organisation can make adjustments and workshop scenarios and case studies giving strategies can use to build and create a safe and inclusive environment for all to enjoy!
Contact us for more information - hello@spectrumsupport.com.au
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