High Functioning Autism/Asperger’s

[Guest guest]

I wanted to post additional information on a great sports activity for kids with

High Functioning Autism/Asperger's. There are so few opportunities for our

kids… It seems that there are programs for special needs or typical kids, but

nothing in between. We've done special needs sports which were great!! Fun, no

pressure and reasonable prices- and met some amazing families!! Typical sports

were too much for my son. The competition, yelling (by the parents :-P) and

then actually learning the sport…. He is in a co-taught class, so w/ typicals

all day. He wants to learn how to play the games, but with understanding that

he might- and probably will – have some difficulties some times. I jumped at

this chance for my son to learn a sport and be able to transition eventually

with time to a typical sport. We need more kids so please PASS ON or come on

out!!!

They play on Sundays at the Northeast Cobb YMCA (3010 Ferry Rd,

Marietta, 30062), from 4-5 PM ages 7-12 years. We are teaching the basketball

basics, and hoping to get enough children to play some games! We want to teach

the children the correct format so when they go to school or want to play in

another league, they are one step ahead. It's about learning sportsmanship,

teamwork and having fun!

You need to either be a facility member (FM) or a program member (PM). A

facility member pays monthly dues and has full access to our facilities. A

program member is a one-time annual fee of $25 and allows you to participate in

any of the programs the YMCA has. The fees for this program are $55 for FM and

$75 for PM.

This is a volunteer based program and would love parent involvement. We want

the children to be able to learn the fundamentals of a sport (this session is

basketball), while having fun and learning teamwork. This requires a lot of

patience and parents have told me they hesitate to put their child into leagues

because other kids/coaches may not understand that. This will be a great

setting for them to get that jump start. I have played basketball through

college, as well as have coached and taught it. I will have other staff there

that will be prepared, too.

The first two-weeks will be all fundamentals, learning the teamwork, some

strengthening that they may not be used to getting and of course having fun

along the way! We will get into games by the third week. We want them to learn

that it's not always about winning, it's about improving. We will practice for

about 15 minutes each week after, and then play a game. I would like to keep

the numbers to about 6 per team.

Liddell

Regional Associate Youth Sports Director

McCleskey-East Cobb & Northeast Family YMCA

1055 E. Piedmont Rd

Marietta, Ga 30062

(MCY)

(NCY)

(E) L@...

(W) mcy.ymcaatlanta.org & ncy.ymcaatlanta.org