The Role of Extracurriculars for Children With Autism

Children with autism that participate in active play, especially sports, are more likely to develop better motor function skills. This is important because many autistic children struggle with motor skills or experience some kind of deficit in this area. Having the chance to exercise their physical muscles alongside their mental and social muscles helps children develop a broader range of abilities that will improve their quality of life.

In addition to the benefits active play has for a child’s physical development, it can also be a great setting for interacting with other children in a more organic way. Unlike a classroom setting or similar environments, active play and sports often require less social adeptness. While sports certainly still incorporate teamwork and communication, they also require physical activity that doesn’t rely on social cues. This environment may be more comfortable or at least easier to acclimate to for children struggling with social skills. While it may be an easier entry point, active play and sports still provide a chance for autistic children to practice the social skills they may have learned. On top of all that, the chance to participate in sports and to not be singled out for their condition can give autistic children a sense of normalcy that is great for their own self-perception.

Check out the benefits of sports for autistic children as highlighted in this video from ABC.Net about Auskick.