Autism Sports Club is an inclusive fitness and social club for eligible individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Sports Club is a hybrid fitness, therapy and social club for eligible individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Benefits of Therapy
- Reduces anxiety, frustration, and depression.
- Supports with managing sensory and overstimulation issues.
- Help ease transitions between settings.
- Develop new coping methods, and interventions.
- Improve social and interactive skills.
Benefits of Sports
Sport not only keeps us active and healthy, but it may also boost our self-esteem, help us develop social skills, and improve our mental health and overall well-being. This is also true for persons who are on the autistic spectrum.
Here are some quotes from autistic persons who have profited from sports:
Social interaction with others.
Some autistic people have trouble understanding social interaction’s “unwritten norms.” They might, for example, stand uncomfortably near to another individual or start a conversation about something improper.
- Start with one-on-one activities, with the help of a support worker or assistant activity leader if necessary.
- Implement a staggered method to incorporating people into a larger group — start small and work your way up.
- Social stories can be a fun approach to teach social skills like taking turns and winning and losing etiquette.
Planning your activity session and engaging participants
- Implement a consistent structure for each session, including having structure during times when you would normally be unstructured. Ensure that you have something planned to keep your attendees engaged during breaks during the programme, for example.
- If the participant has a particular interest, try to engage with it as a motivator or form of feedback.
- Recognize participants’ successes and accomplishments, but be careful not to praise them excessively or ‘over the top.’
- Feedback should be fair and helpful; if praise is given indefinitely, the true meaning of it may be forgotten.
- Make sure the activities are doable, and teach in modest increments.
Just-For-Fun and Exercise Sports
If you want to get your autistic child interested in team sports, a wonderful place to start is by just playing together for enjoyment.
If you’re just concerned with getting your child to exercise, here are a few options to consider:
Consider Classes
Consider classes (either general or autism-related) interest in yoga, dancing, or other forms of movement.
Create Activities
Create activities for you and your child to undertake together, such as obstacle courses or neighborhood "fun runs."
Gamify Exercise
Gamify exercise via video systems like Wii and Kinect, which enable users to move their bodies and acquire new abilities at home without feeling compelled to "join in" or be seen.