Where can I find sports for children with Autism in Columbus, OH?

Question

I have 2 kids with Autism and I would love for them to be involved in sports but it is difficult to find a team that can help children with Special needs.

Answer 1

We have a child with Autism but we live in Australia - so cant help you much with Colombus Ohio - but thought the following tips may help.



Our son's specialists suggested the following sports as good for kids with Autism - because they not only teach sports skills but some also teach social skills. The sports can be played as individuals or as members of a small team. Our son did really well at Ten Pin Bowling and Tennis - but after so many years he is having a break.  

Golf

Tennis

Ten Pin Bowling

Swimming (as long as it is a recreational team)

Baseball (in particular T - Ball)

Archery

Weight Lifting

Sailing

We found that not all clubs may have a structure to support kids with special needs - but when we have spoken to coaches/clubs about the difficulties our son has - they have been able to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate him. Some disability agencies in Australia will also go and train sports clubs on how to support children with special needs so that they are actively participating in the team (as opposed to being the water or orange girl/boy each week)

I have compiled a brief fact sheet - to give them strategies - e.g

1.  Bryn learns best when someone models what they want him to do - taking in information by words is difficult for him. 2. Or Bryn finds it hard to make eye contact. Forcing Bryn to make eye contact means that he cannot concentrate on what you are trying to tell him. He may not be looking at you but he is listening.

There are other points on the list - and they are tailored to our sons difficulties - with a strategie of how to work around his deficits. I give this fact sheet to anyone who may be working with our son.

Recently he broke his leg - so when he started rehab - we gave the fact sheet to the hospital (just because they are medicos it doesnt mean they understand) and the osteopath who would be working wth him. Most people are very grateful to have the information and we have found most people want to be inclusive - but they often dont understand. The fact sheet helps to overcome these difficulites.  

Sports such as football, soccer, basketball require participants to have the ability to read the play of a game, read facial expressions and body language etc all things our kids would have difficulty doing.

You children will be able to participate in a sports team. Dont give up - it may take a little ground work, but you will get there. Also try and call any community agencies which support children with disability or Autism associations - they may have some names of clubs who do well in supporting special needs kids. Don't discount those who perhaps don't have a structure - because it doesnt mean that they are not willing to include your children - they just need some support.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

Look into Special Olympics. They have a variety of sports for all seasons and are open for kids with disabilities 8 years old and up. Some sports let kids younger than 8 join but they can't compete until they turn 8. Here is link for Special Olympics in Ohio. I really  don't know about any programs there. I'm a coach in Illinois

http://www.sooh.org/