Helping autistic children thrive in sport
An online training program has been developed to provide coaches with strategies on how to build inclusive sporting environments.
(Photo credit: Claytonon/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock )
Key points
- An online training program has been designed to provide community coaches with specialist training to support children with autism in grassroots sport.
- Creating Connections provides coaches with strategies on how to build inclusive sporting environments.
- The program targets autistic young people up to the age of 25 but can be applied to any age.
Community coaches will be equipped with specialist training to support children with autism in grassroots sport, thanks to a new online training program developed by University of Queensland researchers.
The online training program called Creating Connections, provides coaches with strategies on how to build inclusive sporting environments.
It was co-designed by people with lived experience of autism and their families, along with coaches from not-for-profit Y Queensland (formerly YMCA).
Dr Jess Hill, of UQ’s School of Rehabilitation Sciences said every child should have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports from an early age.
“Autistic children want to take part in sporting opportunities in their communities, but unfortunately participation rates are remaining low,” Dr Hill said.
“They face a myriad of barriers in accessing sport, including sensory challenges – particularly in team environments which can be noisy and overstimulating.
“We know supportive coaching can have a big impact on a child’s life, which is why we have developed a program to help coaches understand the needs of autistic young people, and how they can best communicate and support these needs in a sporting environment.”
Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder affecting how a person interacts with others, behaves, communicates and relates to the world around them.
The 9-module training program guides coaches on how to run smooth sessions, connect with young people and their families, and provides practical strategies to address communication and sensory needs.
The program targets autistic young people up to the age of 25 but can be applied to any age.
Training has already been completed by its gymnastics and learn-to-swim coaches at Y Queensland, and it will be rolled out to other Queensland sporting organisations, before moving to a national level.
Dr Claudia Maddren, of UQ’s School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, and swim instructor of 10 years, said a coach can make a huge difference for children in sport, particularly for autistic children.
“Having the skills to facilitate a session a child enjoys that keeps them coming back is rewarding as a coach,” Dr Maddren said.
“We have received encouraging feedback so far and the program has helped coaches to understand why certain behaviours occur and strengthened empathy for the children and their families.”
Y Queensland Fitness & Recreation Group Manager Michael Tsiamis said upskilling coaches in creating more inclusive environments ensures autistic kids – who may otherwise self-exclude – are more willing to participate in their classes and stay enrolled.
“Young people gain so much from the physical, emotional and cognitive benefits of our sports, and through Creating Connections, autistic kids are no longer missing out.”
Coaches interested in enrolling in Creating Connections should contact Dr Hill at jessica.hill@uq.edu.au
Learn more about the program.
Collaboration and acknowledgements
Creating Connections has been developed in partnership with Y Queensland (formerly YMCA).
The project received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety.