Autism and AthleticsIf they want to play we find a way

David Warner, President ASMC

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Autism Society Athletic Department

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Overview

• Athletic Program Overview– Life Skills– Successes

• Absent Dads? – Some Testimonials– Coaching

• Want to Play too?– Tips for getting started– Lessons Learned

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Autism Society Athletics

If they want to Play…

• Basic Sport Skills• Life Skills• Jerseys• Trophies• Team Photo

We Find Away

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The Formula

• Homework• Basic Skills• Build on Skills• Picture Schedules• Volunteer Coaches

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Life Skills

• Making Friends• Communications• Turn Taking• Social Skills• Healthy Lifestyle• Following Directions

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Home Work

Basic Skills and Drills

• Wall Passing• This will help you develop your two-

handed chest pass as well as the bounce pass. Performing the drill regularly will improve your reflexes and form. Also, it will help you to develop ball rotation and arm strength. Do the drill like this:

• 1. Stand six feet from a wall and pass the ball chest-high to a spot you have marked on the wall. Concentrate on your form. Make 20 passes like this.

• 2. Step back two feet and take 20 more chest passes. This completes the set.

• 3. Do another set, but, this time use bounce passes.

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Picture Schedules

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Social Stories

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It is ok if this is my first time playing flag football. My coach will teach me how to play.

It is important that I listen to my coach. It is hard for my teammates to learn if I do not listen or if I am

talking when it is not my turn. I have to take turns talking to my coach. My coach is helping all of

my team mates. My coach teaches us and keeps me safe

Where Are All the Dads?

• Dad’s Aren’t Engaged• How Come Only the

Moms Show Up?

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Photo courtesy of the Pantagraph

Dad! Let’s play

Before the Camp, Sam had trouble throwing and catching and would give up. This is hard for a dad who just wants to play catch with his son. Now, we get our bases out and play in the yard with Sam’s sisters!

Steve and his experience with Sam at Baseball Camp

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Hey Coach!

“Being called coach and helping kids to learn basic socialization skills around an activity like baseball or basketball is something that is so rewarding for a father of any child.

High fiving these children was the highlight of my spring”

Coach Derek on his experience with Baseball

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Play the Sport on their terms

“Your programs allow Jaden and I to get closer because we would spend our free time working on those baseball and football skills…. "social stories and homework" for those respective sports allowed me as a parent to sit down with Jaden and help him gain a better understanding of baseball and football to alleviate this fear”

Elijah on his experience helping his son Jaden

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Confidence comes from Achievement

The baseball camp allows kids to play the sport with other kids who are at the same skill level. The kids stay interested in the sport because they are playing competitively and feel accepted and camp is another way for children with autism to meet one another.  

Billy on his experience helping his son Kade

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The Challenges

• Find a Field/Court– Parks and Recreation– School– Church– Local Sport Agencies

• The Media– Awareness is crucial– Good for your program

• Vendors– Trophies, Jerseys, Equipment

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ASMC Athletics

Learned the Hard Way

• Keep it Simple• Snack Moms• Weather Issues• Media• Get your Field Early• Grants and Sponsors• Names on the Back of the Jersey• Use a Database to Track your Team(s)• Volunteers

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I’ll give you a T-shirt and call you Coach..

• Most Parents Want to Help• Coaching is defined

by me as:

Come play with a child, be supportive, encouraging and patient. The Child Needs support more than expertise.

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Friends, Teammates & Peers

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Any Questions?

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