Hi all,
Just wanted to get some thoughts on people who have been diagnosed with Aspergers or indeed any of the Autism Spectrum Disorders being able to fully participate in sport.
I have searched the web for well known sports men and women who have ASD but have drawn a blank. Is anyone aware of any?
Also do you believe that participation in sport can assist the person with coordination and fine motor skills? I have read that more individual sports are suited to people with ASD especially martial arts like Karate, Tae Kwon Do due to the set routines involved.
Would circuits of activities such as ball skills, ladder drills etc help them in these areas in any way?
What are your thoughts?:)
Team sports may well not appeal. Walking, cycling, swimming, karate, golf, running - and many others - might be better. Sports that require individual focus.
(One thing to check, if it's the kind of thing that has a teacher/trainer - is this teacher/trainer kind and sympathetic with some understanding of Aspergers?)
Consider:
- Clay Marzo, American professional surfer
- Jason McElwain - an American high-school basketball player
- It has been claimed that Roger Bannister had Aspergers