Autistic Kids & Basketball Games
Autism is a nuerobiological disorder that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affects one out of every 100 American children, as of 2010. Children with autism have numerous difficulties that may prevent them from participating in certain sports. On the other hand, the autistic tendency to "hyper-focus" may be a benefit when playing sports like basketball.
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Sensory Sensitivities
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Children with autism frequently have sensory sensitivities that can make participating in loud noisy events like a basketball game difficult. Common sensitivities include light, sound and touch. This means that a hypersensitive child may have a meltdown when exposed to any or all of these neurologically startling stimuli. On the other hand, a hypo-sensitive child may not even register the lights or noise and may actually be too aggressive because they may not "feel" pain when bumping into another child. Observing a game may be a better option as a child who needs to may wear sunglasses or use earplugs.
Special Interests
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In "typically developing" children, it is common for them to form an interest in a subject like basketball and then want to know everything about it as well as play it whenever possible and talk about it all the time. Autistic children develop "special interests" that are basically very specific obsessions. For example, they may collect basketball facts and statistics, but have absolutely no interest in watching a basketball game or ever playing it. It's important to know exactly what part of the game your child is interested in and not assume that he would want to play or go to see a game live, as this may be distressing to your child.
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Autistics Who Love Basketball
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On Feb. 13, 2006, Jason McElwain, who has autism, was a high school senior and manager of his school's basketball team. He had never before played with his school team and was allowed to play the last four minutes of the last game of the year. He scored 20 points, sinking six three-pointers and another shot. In March 2010, Alex Herrmann, a 17-year-old with autism became well-known for having accurately predicted 48 games on his bracket, supposedly by studying the statistics of each team.
Abuse
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When working with children--autistic or not, it is important to be aware that abuse can and does happen. It is particularly important to note that children with disabilities are at a higher risk of being abused. Children with autism are frequently less socially and emotionally developed than their peers, and some have trouble with functional language, making it hard for them to communicate upsetting or abusive events. In 2008, a 16-year-old autistic girl was raped by her basketball coach, who told her that she would be kicked off the team if she did not consent. Unfortunately she had no idea how to respond to the threat and "consented" because basketball meant more to her than her virginity. The coach, Freddie Lamont Wilson, ran the now defunct nonprofit Southeastern North Carolina Youth Basketball Association and, as of 2010, is still serving his term in prison.
Alternative Sports
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While many children with autism like to watch or collect information about sports, not all of them like to play one. Noisy games like basketball may not be for everyone, so keep in mind your child's sensory needs and preferences when looking at other sports. Sports, like certain martial arts, that are one on one or solitary may be better for some children. While boys and girls may thrive in dance classes with their structured, typically quiet environment, some feature loud, rhythmic music that may be a treat for some children.
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References
- Photo Credit basketball #5 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
