We are very fortunate here in MB, because we have 1 of only a handful Miracle League Ball Fields. A specially designed ball field that is created for wheelchairs/walkers/etc.. that will accomodate most devices a special needs person would have. and the program which allows a young person with any disability to particpate in playing baseball.
I would highly recommend most families trying to find a local club/organization that offers assistance to kids like ours; either providing a mentor or allowing the child to use a family member/friend to be with them while playing and learning the rules of the game.
most areas have a special olympics team locally, the parent just needs to do a little digging and find these resources.
whether its a team or individual sport, the family can participate together; friends can come out and cheer; its a time when lessons are learned and some realize they "dont have it so bad".
we are very happy that Cooper found swimming, through the local chapter of Spec. Olymp. He has really come to enjoy it; its an outlet 1x a week while he practices he gets his "stims" out, works with a team at practice doing relays, drills, and learning the correct ways to turn, strokes and overall correct swim procedures.. he takes direction semi well from the coach; parents sit up in the observation deck (but I still see him and can relay to him to focus or stop screwing around).
He doesnt really get that he has a disability, because he's pretty much been able to do what most typical kids to up til now.. he has never wanted to do team sports through school, so we've never had the discussion of whether or not he can/can't. He "sees" at practice each week the different types of kids,... there are many with Down Syndrome and he can see physical characteristics; he has never asked what they have, but has made comments we have had to work on.... we have never sat him down and had the talk.. you have autism... this is the definition.. we have told him many many times.. your brain works different than most peoples... yes everyone is different, but yours works a little slower and you hear things different and react different, etc.. he knows I volunteer and do Autism things.. he calls it my work.. and when he's bored.. says.. oh no.. not more autism work.. usually when he doesnt want to go to another fundraiser /function.
some govt aide provides respite for families.. this is a good time to allow the child to have a non family member help them with their sport so the family can sit and enjoy..
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This is a great idea, and important for our future teachers to know. Individual sports are very often better fits for students with disabilities than team sports. This normalizes the childhood experience of the individual, and like you said provides a little respite for the family.
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