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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Team Sports?

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Jacksonville, FL

Any recommendations for sports involvement for a 4 year old with ASD? My son loves to be active and play outside, and he seems to have some natural ability in his coordination. I would love to give him an opportunity to try a team sport. I'm not sure he's ready yet, but are there any specific sports that have worked well for your child with ASD?

February 1, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members shared a wealth of sport options for a 4-year-old with ASD who loves being active, with soccer emerging as the most popular... Read more

Members shared a wealth of sport options for a 4-year-old with ASD who loves being active, with soccer emerging as the most popular recommendation for its combination of coordination practice and peer interaction, alongside martial arts programs like ATA Taekwondo, which partners with Autism Speaks to train instructors on working with children on the spectrum. Several members emphasized starting with low-pressure team sports or Special Olympics Young Athletes programs at age 4, noting that around age 8 peers become less accepting of differences, making specialized programs more supportive. A recurring theme was the value of trying multiple activities to discover what fits, with members sharing successes in swimming, gymnastics, basketball, piano, and horseback therapy, while stressing that individual sports can offer meaningful peer interaction without the pressure of team dynamics.

A MyAutismTeam Member

look for individual sports like gymnastics where they challenge themselves but are a part of a team. My son loved the trampoline.

February 9, 2015
A MyAutismTeam Member

Our area has a special needs t-ball/baseball team for all levels, like someone above mentioned - martial arts, my son loved going to the open gym and jumping on the tramps and into the foam pits. I've also read about horse therapy.

February 6, 2015
A MyAutismTeam Member

Tae Kwon Do. The American Tae Kwon Do association has partnered with Autism Speaks to develop programs and train instructors on how to best work with those on the spectrum. Look for an ATA school at www.ATAOnline.com

February 5, 2015
A MyAutismTeam Member

American Youth Soccer Organization's VIP program!

February 3, 2015
A MyAutismTeam Member

Read an article that marshal arts was a good option.

February 3, 2015

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