Many of us hope our child will excel in sports, as participating in sports activities in the community is a crucial aspect of child development. For example, I once aspired for my child to play in the NHL. However, it soon became apparent that this was not realistic, so I had to find an environment that suited him better.

Nowadays, many community programs are tailored for children with diverse needs and abilities, so seek out those options.

Additionally, seek activities that your child shows a high level of interest and motivation in. For instance, if your child spends hours watching tennis, this could be a strong indicator that tennis might be an excellent sport to start with.

Little things like playing pretend soccer or hockey in the basement can help your child become familiar with the equipment, rules, and expectations of the sport. Additionally, having family gatherings where you play these activities in the backyard with familiar family members can also be beneficial.

It is essential to remember that sports are often about the process rather than the end product. We are not placing our children in sports to make them NHL players, for example. The goal is to help them build healthy interactions within the community with their peers, and to find enjoyment and fun in the activities. If your child does not find sporting activities enjoyable, it may indicate that they are not the athletic type and that a different extracurricular activity might be more suitable. Options could include drama, music, or art classes. There is a wide variety of activities available, but the primary aim is to have your child engaged in community activities that they find rewarding and enjoyable.

It really depends on your child's interests and also their social skills. So, if your child is more introverted, perhaps likes to be more independent, do independent activities, then it might be great to start off with individual sports such as tennis or swimming. However, if your child seems to be very social or shows an inclination towards some of the team sports that they see on TV or in the communities, such as soccer or hockey, then definitely start there. Looking at your child for observable behaviors or indications that they have a preference is a great way to start and identify which sport you want to put your child in.

Tips for Involving Your Child with Autism in Sporting Activities

·       Seek Tailored Community Programs: Look for community programs designed for children with diverse needs and abilities to ensure a supportive environment.

·       Identify Interests: Observe your child's interests and motivation. For example, if they enjoy watching tennis, consider starting with tennis lessons.

·       Introduce Familiarity: Use playtime to introduce your child to sports equipment and rules. Playing pretend soccer or hockey at home can build familiarity.

·       Family Involvement: Engage in sports activities during family gatherings in a comfortable, familiar setting to create positive experiences.

·       Focus on the Process: Emphasize enjoyment and social interaction over competition. The goal is to build healthy community interactions and find fun in the activities.

·       Consider Individual Preferences: Choose sports that match your child’s personality. Individual sports like tennis or swimming may suit more introverted children, while team sports like soccer or hockey may be better for social children.

·       Explore Alternatives: If your child isn't enjoying sports, consider other extracurricular activities such as drama, music, or art classes. The key is to find activities that are rewarding and enjoyable.