Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 3/22/2008

Question
hello we have a boy on our baseball team that has autism he will need extra coaching do you have any tips on this i figure he is just like all the other boy on the team just needs patients in learning and maybe a little extra coaching i want him to learn is there a rate of learning or should i just go with the flow of his learning willing to help thanks

Answer
Hi Charles,

While each person with autism is somewhat different, I can tell you a few general things. Number one, he is not like all the other boys. He deserves an equal chance to play like all the other boys, but his behavior will be different. He cannot help it.

He will certainly have trouble with transitions from one activity to another.  Give him clear instructions about what to do at the end of an inning (go to the dug out, or take his position on the field). If the team throws the ball from base to base to warm up, explain this to him. Always give him time to absorb instructions and be willing to say it more than once.

Do not use figures of speech like "hustle," say "hurry up." "Keep your eye on the ball" will not make sense to him. Say, "watch the ball all the way from the pitcher's hand to the bat." "Good eye"= "good watching!" You get the idea.

He will probably get very emotional and excited during a game. He might have a "meltdown" if he misses the ball. Find a way to have a parent handy to take him aside if this happens during a game.

At practice, have the whole team make it about trying NOT about scoring. He will need acceptance of his way of interacting. By all means, don't let the team mob him in a show of support. Being surrounded and touched by many people at once will be very upsetting to him.

He will be very likely to have a rigid idea of the rules. If someone is out and gets called safe, or vice versa, he's likely to argue. Most autistic people think in very black and white terms.

He may be physically awkward or he may be very athletic. It varies a lot. You should assess his eye/hand coordination with some gentle catching and throwing before putting him in the field. Many autistic kids are afraid of balls whizzing at them and their nervous system does not respond quickly enough to catch it before it hits them.

I'm delighted this boy is getting the opportunity to play ball. If you run into any difficulty, write back and tell me what the specific problem is and I will try to assist.

Best wishes,
Catherine