Dads helping autistic children enjoy their favourite sports with new project

Dads helping autistic children enjoy their favourite sports with new project

16 October 2019

FOOTBALL is often a rite of passage sport for many young boys and girls but for children with autism, taking part in mainstream clubs or school activities can be overwhelming.

Two local fathers are trying to make participation a lot easier and stress-free for their children to enjoy this team sport. 

Gerard McCartan and Daniel Craig from Downpatrick are just two of the many fully involved members of Downpatrick Autism Family Support Group.

They have been taking a group of 14 local children aged between six and 10with autism for a specially adapted football course for the last three weeks at the Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre.

Devised by Gerard, who works for Disability Sport NI, the course aims to build skills in incremental levels in a way which focuses on enjoyment.

Gerard’s eldest child Cahán, (seven), has autism and was diagnosed just before he went to primary school. He and his wife, who are committee members of the support group, have have always tried to integrate activities and sports for all of their three children.

“I didn’t want football to be a negative experience for my son or any other child,” said Gerard. “Team sports such as football can be overwhelming for children with autism either in school or any local clubs but that does 

not mean they should not be able to participate.”

Gerard said that he has devised the five-week course which helps build up football skills at the appropriate level for each child.

It will finish with a match of children playing against their parents in two weeks time.

“Ninety-two percent of children with autism have a sensory processing delay so as coaches being able to communicate effectively to the children in a way that they can understand is important,” explained Gerard. “We give the kids reward cards so they and their parents can see their progression which builds up to the match.

“The parents are a brilliant support as some of the children would get very anxious but to have their parents there beside them makes it possible. With the added bit of theatre and drama we try to instil, it heightens the whole experience for them and helps to make memories for both.

Gerard hopes to devise further sports courses for autistic children such as boxing.

Áine Sloan, chairperson, of the group, praised the contribution of the fathers, not just for helping their own children but for other local children with autism whose parents are members.

She said: “Not only is it fantastic that a programme of its kind is now available locally but that it’s down to two dads who took it upon themselves to fill the gap. 

“Downpatrick Autism Family Support Group is 100% run by parents. We’re delighted that Gerard and Daniel have developed this programme so our children can have the same opportunities as their peers. The children can enjoy football in a relaxed and non-judgmental environment.”

Ms Sloan said that many children on the autism spectrum cannot attend the usual football sessions due to crowds, noises, difficulty following instructions and other considerations. 

She added: “This now gives these children the same chance as their peers.

This is just one of the many programmes we have running at the minute. We currently have Lego therapy, pony therapy, occupational 

therapy and various parent training nights. 

“We would urge any local families pre and post diagnosis who need some extra support to get in touch via our Facebook page at Downpatrick Autism Family Support Group.”