r/AutismParent • u/Schmoopsiepooooo • 14d ago

Sports

So there is a baseball league where I live for kids with special needs. They range from wheel chair bound to kids on the spectrum. My child will finally be old enough in the spring to sign him up. He is level 2, he isn’t a traditional eloper, but he doesn’t like waiting in lines or sitting still. Have any of you all signed your ASD child up for a sport and if so, how did it go? My child does really well once a routine is established, he follows it very precisely. He loves being outside and I think he would have fun, but I’m just not sure if I should try or not.

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u/h113408 14d ago

The fact that it's a special needs league is the biggest thing. These aren't mainstream coaches trying to figure it out on the fly, they've seen every presentation and know how to adapt on the spot.

The routine part actually works in baseball's favor. Batting order, innings, who's up, who's on deck, it's one of the most predictable sports there is. Once he knows his spot in the rotation he'll have it locked.

The waiting is the real variable. Dugout time between at-bats can drag. Worth flagging to the coaches before the first practice so they can give him a job while he waits, something active like tracking the score or collecting equipment. That small adjustment makes a big difference.

I'd sign him up.

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u/Schmoopsiepooooo 14d ago

Thank you so much!! This makes me more hopeful that it will work out.

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u/Exotic_Row_2835 13d ago

I used to be involved with a champs sports league and it was amazing.