Gym Class and Aspergers

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It is quite likely that children with Aspergers Syndrome will start gym classes just as any other normal kid would, that is with enthusiasm and expectations, but it is important to be careful while mixing gym class and Aspergers Syndrome together in order to ensure that the experience does not become an uncomfortable one for the child with Asperger.

The problems that an Asperger child may have in gym classes may be related to a number of problems that they face due to their unfortunate disorder, like impaired motor skills which make it difficult for them to take quick instructions or make quick movements and thereby to play baseball, soccer or any other physically demanding sports. A gymnasium can be loud and the confusing commotion created there in combination with the players and students yelling and the coach blowing in his whistle can be devastating for certain Asperger child as they are sometimes super-sensitive to noise. Another problem faced by the Asperger child is the fact that he must change among his peers, and since these special children are not apt at changing clothes without some assistance, it could mean social embarrassment. Rude behaviors with peers and teachers in gym classes by these children are often common as well because they are often maladapted to deal with social situations. The most dangerous part of gym classes and Asperger’s children is the fact that they are often adept at withstanding amazing amounts of pain, which, though sounds like a good thing, can put the child in danger because he may hide injuries he received due to some contact sports. These are some of the most common problems that are to be noted by teachers and parents alike in order to assure the child’s well being and adaptability in gym classes.

It is very important to note that it is essential to understand the problems of the particular child with Asperger first before taking any steps to help them as problems differ from individual to individual, therefore, subject teachers, parents, gym teachers and special teachers must cooperate in order to create the right gym environment for these children. Peers who are willing and kind enough to help these kids out in their day to day gym activities should be assigned to each of them and gym teachers must take caution, not to surprise the Asperger child with any sudden change in the routine as they follow routines and instructions by the book. Sometimes, when the degree of the Asperger disorder is more than average, teachers may be required to use flash cards, pictures or even posters as visual cues due to their inability to interpret verbal instructions properly. Demonstrations are often extremely helpful for Asperger children, especially if it is done before the general students tries to do the activity. An assigned aide can do a lot of benefit to the children with Asperger as they can remove a child from a gym session if he becomes particularly stressed out or may be due to the child’s inability to handle the excess noise in the gym. A properly written, general weekly schedule can help the Asperger child to be clear from confusions. Finally, a physical education teacher or any teacher for instance should understand that although an Asperger child will most probably be bright in some aspects, but some, he will have difficulty in handling with efficiency; for such cases a possible alternative should be offered to the student.

Kindness and willingness to help from teachers, parents and friends can make gym class and Aspergers Syndrome go together very nicely, in fact under the right conditions, he the Asperger child can even excel in gym classes.