"The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have." -Vince Lombardi
So I ask you, how can we know what they can do if we never let them try? This is not just true in sports, but in all things. Vince Lombardi has always been a source of motivation and inspiration for me. He is by far one of my favorite sports icons. I have been in sports in one form or another for over 20 years and have been thankful for every moment. When Aiden was diagnosed with Autism I did what most people do, I wondered what he would not be able to do. One of the things I thought is: "Will he ever be able to play sports?" As I have gone on this Autism journey, with the best guide I know, I have changed my thinking to: I wonder what he can't do.
"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." -Heywoood Broun
Sports have an amazing ability to be not only healthy, but therapeutic. Physical activity releases neurotransmitters in the brain that help promote positive thinking and behavior. Ever meet a happy, positive, motivated person and wonder what their secret is? Ask them if they exercise the odds are high that they do. The social interaction involved in sporting practices can be some of the most beneficial side effects of sports. The healthy benefits of exercise are raved about in many articles, stories, and studies. Those same benefits apply to your loved ones with Autism.
In 2012, the CDC estimated that one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. The childhood obesity rate has doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years, also according to the CDC. But lets not stop there. In 2013 SFARI released an article, In Autism, Obesity Starts Early. According to the journal Childhood Obesity, more than 30% of children with Autism are overweight or obese.
"Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold." -Joseph Chilton Pearce
So what can we do? We can expose them to sports and exercise. One researcher who conducted a study of professional athletes indicates that an estimated 15-20% of professional athletes have Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, a common co-diagnosis of Autism. He further goes on to say that many pro athletes with undiagnosed Asperers excel at technical sports positions, like pitching, surfing, martial arts, and running. You can find his article here: Athletes with ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Lets name a few pro athletes with ASD- Jim Eisenreich (baseball), Clay Marzo (surfing), Jessica-Jane Applegate (swimming), and Todd Hodgetts (shot-put).
Those athletes are high functioning. What about lower functioning ASD? There are sports and exercises available to lower functioning individuals on the spectrum. It maybe hard for them to play complex sports with lots of rules involved, but what about individual sports with less rules? The Schneider twins are runners with severe Autism and are non-verbal, but they run marathons! Not alone of course, they run with coaches who monitor them and guide them through the course, but these kids love to run.
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."- Hunter S. Thompson
So what sports can kids with ASD play? Any of them! You have to be realistic with their functioning level and their physical capabilities. For the lower functioning levels consider more individual sports such as running, rock climbing, and horse back riding. Please be sure suitable supervision is provided while they are participating in these sports. Other sports available to those on the spectrum include: baseball, basketball, martial arts, biking, bowling (as long as they can handle the noise), swimming, etc.
I want to leave you with this: Do not be your child's limitation. Let them try things. Athletes are some of the most accepting people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. Good coaching staff will lead the way to acceptance of your loved one.
Here are some links to help you understand sports impact on Autism and helpful organizations:
We hope you have enjoyed this brief introduction to sports and Autism. Sporting is a personal choice and the type of sports your family chooses to participate in are as individual as your athlete. Do not get discouraged, broaden your horizons. Find what they love and go for it!
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