Disabled people and sports
As you know, sport is a necessary activity for a healthy and happy life and is important for all people. However, for people with disabilities, sport has a different, special meaning. Because sports can open a new window for people with disabilities who have already faced many obstacles in their lives and live with the stress caused by these obstacles.
Regardless of the type and degree of disability, movement, exercise and sports bring pleasure to a person, and the pleasure of movement increases a person’s motivation in life.
In addition to the positive contribution to health, by playing sports, a person can share his loneliness with other people, make friends, learn solidarity, have the opportunity to develop by recognizing his talents, and develop positive feelings towards himself, his body and other people. People. All this gives a person the chance to achieve and maintain a meaningful and satisfying life.
In fact, people with disabilities can undergo the training process in specially organized competitive sports, participate in competitions, experience successes and failures. In this sense, they now perceive themselves as “athletes” rather than as disabled people. With the confidence this feeling gives, people can learn to cope with their shortcomings.
The contribution of physical activity to development
Physical activity is considered essential for muscle growth, ossification and the functioning of internal organs such as the heart and liver, especially between the ages of 0 and 21 years. Research shows that exercise increases bone width and mineralization, while inactivity decreases ossification mineralization and bones break more easily, leading to a weakened skeletal system. Children without disabilities meet their need for adequate physical activity by participating in daily play activities to support normal growth and development. However, disabled children do not get enough physical exercise. The growth stagnation of many people with disabilities can be attributed to their lack of physical activity.
By allowing disabled people to associate with able-bodied and disabled people, sport serves an extremely important function for the “integration” that needs to be achieved in special education. In such an environment, a person with disabilities develops a positive attitude towards himself by observing the problems of other people with disabilities, his creativity is stimulated, his feelings of loneliness are minimized, his community is expanded, and he has a chance to live a more meaningful life.
7 Best Sports for Children with Autism
Sports can be a source of joy, competition and camaraderie. Playing sports provides children with physical and mental benefits such as developing skills, increasing self-confidence, developing social interactions and improving physical fitness.
However, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents face unique challenges that can be daunting when participating in team sports. Intense social interaction, noise levels, and nonverbal communication demands can be overwhelming for children with autism who already have difficulty navigating daily life.
But that doesn’t mean your child can’t enjoy the benefits of sports! There are many activities for children with autism where they can run, play and interact with others just like everyone else.
In this post, we’ll share the seven best sports for kids with autism and why they’re good for your kids.
The importance of sports and the benefits they bring
Before we delve into the best activities for children with autism, let’s first talk about the importance of sports and the benefits of sports for autistic people.
Improved coordination
Coordination involves the ability to use parts of your body together smoothly and effectively. When you exercise, you use multiple muscles and joints at the same time, which helps improve your coordination. This improved coordination is a valuable skill for children with autism, as they often have problems with fine and gross motor skills. In addition to strengthening your muscles, exercise can help strengthen your joints, preventing future problems.
Improved Mental and Physical Fitness
Everyone can benefit from being physically active regardless of age, gender, or ability. Exercise improves mental health, increases energy levels, and helps with weight management.
For children with Autism, regular physical activity can help to improve focus and attention, as well as reduce stress and anxiety, which often accompany having a spectrum disorder. After all, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Self-Confidence
It’s no secret that participating in sports can help to boost your self-confidence. Achieving a personal record or accomplishing a goal gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. This is especially true for children with Autism, who often face challenges in their everyday lives.
Your child with Autism can learn to set and achieve big and small goals when participating in sports. With each achievement, their self-confidence will grow, and they’ll be better equipped to handle any challenges that come their way.
Belonging in the Community
For kids with Autism, feeling like they belong can be a struggle. They often feel isolated and alone, which can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Participating in sports can help your child with Autism to connect with other children their age and feel like they’re a part of something larger. They’ll make new friends, learn to work together as a team, and develop a sense of pride in their community.
New Skill-Building
One of the best things about sports is that there’s always something new to learn. Whether it’s a new way to throw a ball or a new drill to improve your speed, there’s always an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.
This skill-building is especially beneficial for children with Autism, who often thrive in structured environments where they can try new ways of doing things. As they learn and master new skills, they’ll build their confidence and feel a sense of achievement.
Build Social Skills/Make Friends
Navigating social interactions can be challenging for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for children with Autism. Participating in recreational activities can help your child with Autism develop the social skills they need to interact with others. They’ll learn how to communicate, work together and respect one another.
In addition to social skills, participating in sports can help your child with Autism make new friends. With a shared love of the game, it’ll be easy for them to connect with others and form lasting relationships.
Independence
As a parent with a child with Autism, your goal is to help them become as independent as possible. Participating in sports can help them to develop the skills they need to live independently. They’ll learn to care for their bodies, manage their time, and set goals.
In addition, they’ll also develop a greater sense of self-reliance and confidence. With each achievement, they’ll feel more capable and independent.
Common Challenges of Team Sports
Challenges are expected when participating in any sport, but some challenges are specific to cooperative team sports. These include:
Heavy Social Interaction
Heavy social interaction can be overwhelming and exhausting for children with ASD. If your child is struggling, try to find a team that is smaller in size or has a more relaxed atmosphere.
Noise Level
Kids with Autism can be sensitive to noise, and the loud environment of a cooperative team sport can be overpowering. If this is the case, try to find a sport played in a quieter setting.
Nonverbal Communication Requirements
Many team sports require nonverbal communication, such as hand signals or eye contact. That type of communication can be difficult for children with Autism, who often struggle with nonverbal cues.
If your child is struggling, try to find a team that is more understanding and accommodating. You can also look for sports that require less nonverbal communication.
Our Autism Navigator will help you understand these challenges and connect you with resources and information for parents to help your children succeed.
Best Individual-Contribution Sports for Kids with Autism
Despite the sheer amount of teamwork that many sports require, there are still some individual-contribution sports in which your child with ASD can excel. The following recommended sports may be more geared towards individual participants but still teach the same important skills:
Golf
Between problem-solving and coordination, golf and ASD can go hand-in-hand. It’s a quiet relatively sport requiring concentration, making it ideal for those easily overwhelmed by noise.
Tennis
Tennis is another great option for kids with Autism. It requires split-second decisions, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking. Tennis also reinforces discipline, as staying calm and focused during a match is important.
Bowling
Although bowling is a team sport, it is a great option for children with ASD as it is played at a relaxed pace. It’s also a great way to socialize and make new friends. What’s more, bowling is an indoor sport ideal for those who struggle with sensory overload.
Swimming
Swimming is a great way to stay active and can be adapted to suit any fitness level. It is also a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints. Swimming is also a great way to socialize and build friendships.
Athletics/Cross Country
Running is a great way to release energy and improve your fitness. It can also be done individually or in a group. Track and field and cross country are great options for children with autism because they create a sense of community while allowing each athlete to move at their own pace.
Skiing/snowboarding
For children with autism who live in colder climates, skiing and snowboarding are a great option. These winter sports are ideal for staying active and can be enjoyed at any level. They require strength, coordination and balance. It’s also a great way to spend time outdoors with friends.
Individual sessions
These individual sessions typically take place in a community setting, but do not necessarily require social interaction. They are ideal for children with autism who want to exercise individually but may not be ready to compete as part of a team.
Martial arts/karate
Fitness, discipline and focus are key in martial arts for autism. This is a great way to learn self-defense while gaining confidence in your strengths and abilities. Your children can improve their reaction time and motor skills through consistent, repetitive activities. Finding the best karate classes for kids with autism can do wonders for your child.
Dancing
Like martial arts, dance requires repetitive actions that promote creativity and self-expression. This is a great way to improve coordination, flexibility and fitness. Dancing is also a great way to build confidence and connect with others.
A ride on the bicycle
Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for many children. It’s also a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. However, cycling as a sport is a low-impact, high-endurance recreational activity that can be done individually or in a group. Balance and coordination also play an important role in helping your child develop a strong sense of body awareness and control.
Build Character and Redefine Limits
Autism spectrum disorder should not be seen as a limitation, but rather as an opportunity to find appropriate fun activities to build your child’s confidence, self-esteem and social skills. With patience and persistence, you are sure to find the perfect activity for your child. And when he succeeds, you will realize that it was worth it.
At Total Education Solutions we believe that every child is unique. That’s why we offer a variety of services to meet the needs of each student. We specialize in providing support for children with autism in Columbus and offer support for people with autism in Fair lawn.
We understand that autism can be challenging, but we also know that every child can succeed. And with our Autism Navigator, we’ll help you find the resources your child needs to succeed.
