Positively Autism


Sports and the Spectrum
Volume 2, Issue 3 ~ March, 2007


Sports Survey Results
In February, Positively Autism conducted a sports survey for parents of children with autism. It was great to read about the parents' experiences, and the experiences of a few young adults with autism who also completed the survey about themselves. I'm sure this information will be helpful to other parents, teachers, coaches, etc. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey, and watch for another one again soon!



Question 1
How old is your child?



Question 2
Which sports does your child enjoy playing?


Here are the percentages of sports chosen for question 2, in order of popularity. Please note that the percentages have rounded to the nearest whole number, so the percentages may not exactly equal 100%.




Question 3
Which sports does your child enjoy watching?



Here are the percentages of sports chosen for question 3, in order of popularity. Please note that the percentages have rounded to the nearest whole number, so the percentages may not exactly equal 100%.






Question 4
Where has your child participated in sports?



Here are the percentages of sports chosen for question 4, in order of popularity. Please note that the percentages have rounded to the nearest whole number, so the percentages may not exactly equal 100%.




Question 5
What one factor most helped your child participate in sports?

Top 5 Answers:
  1. Family Interest and Encouragement
  2. Supportive Peers/Peer Models
  3. Understanding and Flexible Coach
  4. Aide/Support Personnel
  5. Community Pool/Swimming Lessons



Question 6
What has been helpful or what do you think would help your child participate in sports?



Here are the percentages of sports chosen for question 6, in order of popularity. Please note that the percentages have rounded to the nearest whole number, so the percentages may not exactly equal 100%.



Other Responses Shared Include:
  • A partner to help practice skills,

  • Praise and positive feedback,

  • Sports that include individual progress,

  • Use of a walkie-talkie strapped to the child's back.
    (The person who suggested this didn't specify how it was used,
    but I would guess it was for giving cues and prompts to the child).


Please note that this was an informal survey with a limited number of participants, and not an experimental study.



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