Should your Asperger Child Participate in Sports?

Although all kids are different, I will share with you my views on sports and kids with Aspergers.

If your child is having difficulties socially in school, you may be tempted to sign him up for basketball or soccer with the other kids.

You know your child better than anyone. Just be sure that you’re setting your child up for a positive, rather than a negative experience.

The things I have heard from Coaches about kids on their team would make you spit nails.
“Oh, he’s an awful player. He’s got some kind of disorder or something.”
“I hope he doesn’t sign up next year.”

And, the parents in the stands are just as bad.
“What is wrong with that kid?!”
“Put him on the bench.”

And, that was all heard in reference to kids in the regular 3rd – 6th grade classes. I know. It made me sick, too.

Now, I’m not at all saying that team sports should be avoided. Just make sure you know who will be coaching your child, and make sure that he or she is someone who you want in charge of your child’s self-esteem for the next few months.

There ARE wonderful coaches. Coaches who understand the impact they have upon children and make sure that it is positive. My husband is one of the “good guys”. He is kind and loving and truly enjoys coaching all the kids on the team. Make sure your coach is a “good guy”, too. If the coach has any insight into Aspergers or Autism, even better!

However, if team sports are not your child’s strong suit and he or she gets very stressed or has that “lost” look while participating, then here are some alternatives:

Camping as a family
Going on Long Walks with You
Bike Riding (go on bike trails if you are concerned about safety)
Playing Tag
Swimming
Going to the Park (just being a kid!)
Karate (again, make sure the people in charge of the facility are warm, loving, patient people, before signing on the dotted line)

Each of these activities will help strengthen your child physically and give him or her the benefits of self-confidence as well.

Yes, all kids need to be physically active, but at what cost? Surely not at the cost of losing self-esteem. Sports are supposed to build you up, not tear you down.

And, of course, another option would be to send your child to a camp for Aspergers so he or she is trained, coached AND encouraged by people familiar with the special needs of your child.