Coaching an autistic kid

[TJ Mason]

One of the juniors on our next set of beginners courses is autistic. I've not dealt with an autistic person before, so want to make sure we do right by him as far as possible.

I realise autism's a very broad issue, but does anyone have any general tips for how we should work with him, please?

Originally Posted by TJ Mason

One of the juniors on our next set of beginners courses is autistic. I've not dealt with an autistic person before, so want to make sure we do right by him as far as possible.

I realise autism's a very broad issue, but does anyone have any general tips for how we should work with him, please?

On a 'one to one' basis on the shooting line, we have 3 you just have to be even more vigilant than normal...always!
It can be a very rewarding and enlightening experience for both archer and coach (that's what we've found anyway)

Good luck

[geoffretired]

The first port of call is the parents. They will be able to tell you about the autism and how he is effected by it. They will know how he can best be managed.It could be worth asking them about strategies used by his teachers at school.

[Jacqamoe]

One to one is almost always the best way to help, though the parents will be able to point you in the right direction I'm sure. As the sister of an autistic boy (now man) as well as someone who used to help teach Riding for the Disabled, I've seen how much sport can help and improve lives. It may take a little time to learn how to teach him, but I'm sure all the effort will be well worth it!

[napolienne]

If you can, meet with kid and parents beforehand so you can get some idea of where he/she is on the scale - like you said, autism is a very broad spectrum. And as everyone above has said, 1-1 coaching. Keeping the lesson quite structured may also be helpful, then the junior will know in advance what he/she'll be doing and when. Rules of behaviour/structure are helpful as an autistic person will (to varying degrees) have difficulties with social interaction and/or communication, especially in a new environment. The rules will give them a guide as to what to do.

[Kae]

On page 21 of the Summer 2007 AUK is an article written by the father of one of our "disabled" archers. It shows the score sheets he uses as he can't relate numbers to colours, he uses these instead so he can score.

I always have to think twice when someone asks if we have a "disabled" person in the club, as my initial reaction is no. The fact is that we do, but because they are a member of the club, I don't think of them differently to anyone else (it does help that all members are mental anyway, lol).

Patience is the greatest virtue. Everything is on their timetable not yours. They may not like wearing arm guards or tabs, but show them you putting it on. Once they've seen you use it, they'll want one!

Talk to the parents. Both father and son are now valued members of our club and we wouldn't be without them.

Kae.

[TJ Mason]

Thanks very much folks, good advice here!

[NoobArcher]

As everyone has said, autism is a HUGE spectrum, and it actually umbrella's over a lot of other less well known syndromes like Aspergers and the suchlike. having worked with a lot of these kids, my suggestions would be as follows.
1. Keep it structured. These kids thrive on structure and boundaries. It might even help to make a little list when he draws up for example, and to get him to help you make it, then he and you repeat it every time. Its a little like dog training in that respect, even though i know it sounds cruel. Repeat the behaviour again and agian until its second nature.
2. Ignore bad or unwanted behaviours. Autistic kids will go into themselves and you'll lose all rapport you had with them if you shout or reprimand them in a way they are unused to. The parents will be able to help you with this.
3. Don't be surprised if they are unable to look you in the eye or appear to not be listening. They will be.
4. Physical contact from someone they are unfamiliar with often makes them nervy and uncomfortable. If you want to touch them to emphasize a teaching point, tell them that you're going to.....' ie, I want to put my hand on your hand to show you something, is that ok?'
5. Don't be surprised if they are very fidgity, or have a tic. If the equipment round you is untidy or disorderly, chances are they will want to rectify it, and its best to let them, as they won;t be able to concentrate until its done.

What I've written sounds a bit extreme I know, and its perfectly possible that the child you're going to teach is nowhere near as acute as what I might have described. They'll be diddicult to teach in a group environment though, especially initially, as they'll need constant reassurance and guidance. All I can say, is to persevere with it, as you'll both get so much out of it. You wait till you have that moment when you know you've gotten through and really made a connection....its awesome.

[General Dogs]

Noobarcher has summarised the main points superbly.

The term Autistic covers a wide spectrum so do speak to the parents first as they will know well their child's particular characteristics.

Structure will be very important, and ideally the same equipment (bow, arrows and possibly even quiver, armguard etc) should be made available at every session as change often causes anxiety.

[SVL]

This has been very usefull information as I have promised a child with learning diffculties (slightly austic) a have a go session in July to see if he likes the sport and would like to do a beginners course.