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TOPSoccer Coaching Tips for Kids with Autism. By: Sharie Landsverk sharielandsverk@msn.com. Autism in a Nutshell. Information processing disorder Neurological difference Unmotivated to seek out uncertainty Competence is the motivator they need. The Coaches Mission. Gross motor skills
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TOPSoccerCoaching Tips for Kids with Autism By: Sharie Landsverk sharielandsverk@msn.com
Autism in a Nutshell • Information processing disorder • Neurological difference • Unmotivated to seek out uncertainty • Competence is the motivator they need
The Coaches Mission • Gross motor skills • Teamwork skills • Competence, competence, competence!
Benefits of TOPSoccer • Someday may play soccer on a typical team • Not picked on in PE class • Interest in soccer may help them fit in • Put a big smile on their face • Great exercise • Builds Confidence • Better cooperation with others • Improved Quality of Life
Competence, Competence, Competence! • Plenty of chances to make goals • Capture success before adding more difficulty to drills.
Introduce Silliness: • Celebrate every success • Chants and sound effects • Exaggerate facial expressions • Exaggerate body language • Give them something too look at • Create the desire, instead of making commands
Reduce the Stress • Routines • Uncertainty can be painful • Structure can provide comfort • Productively, slowly increase demands • Visual schedule
Showing instead of telling • Less words are better • Language is difficult • Sound effects and chants • Gently guide them • Your turn my turn • Side by side
Declarative Language • Avoid asking questions • Avoid making demands • Make Statements • Make Comments • Fewer words • Slow down when waiting for a response
Motivation • Success creates motivation • Make a bid deal about everything • Let’s do that again! • Use special interests • Try different things • Keep using what works • Motivation is the key to success
Teamwork • Team concept is difficult • Emphasize success of other players • Encourage them to celebrate each others success • Colored jerseys, red team – blue team
The Big Picture • Many are visual learners • Older typical kids are great role models to play with and against our kids • Suggest parents rent kids soccer movies • Suggest parents watch sports channel soccer games • Soccer video games