Teach and support social skills to allow children with Autism to independently participate in sport

Athletes with Autism utilizes research based interventions like Social Narratives to support children with autism in accessing sport opportunities. Our idea is to modernize and mobilize these Social Narratives in the form of an iPad application that can be projected to support a group of athletes.

The Specifics: How will you use $2,500 to fuel social change through technology?

Athletes with Autism will utilize the resources of the grant to facilitate the inclusion of Social Narratives in it’s existing iPad application (currently in beta testing). These interactive stories will increase our athletes ability to independently participate in sport which will provide important opportunities to access their community and peers. The grant will also support the purchase of technology necessary to utilize this iPad application and the stories in it with large groups of athletes. Ultimately this application, which already includes research based interventions such as animated video modeling and visual schedules, will be shared via the Apple App Store for free to support the greater Autism community.

Discussion

My son is on the Autism Spectrum. Before his involvement with AwA he was very shy and timid to try new things. SInce his involvement, he has played T-ball, is learning to swim and playing soccer! What a transformation in a short period of time. Thank you, AwA!

by deanna.caver

11 months ago | Reply

I am a parent of an athlete. This has improved my son's coordination and team building skills. He looks forward to going weekly and he especially enjoyed swimming. He had swim lessons in the past but this has improved his strokes. All the coaches are so supportive, encouraging even the smallest accomplishment. This past year and a half has been difficult for us with the loss of my husband. Coming to the events with all the athletes has been such a blessing. Such a fantastic program!!!

by nurse K

11 months ago | Reply

I am a parent of an athlete. This program has allowed my son to participate in sports in a productive way. Being the youngest of 3 boys he desperately wanted to be involved in sports like his brothers were. He can participate in the sports on a safe, nuturing and caring enviroment. He is also improving his social skills and independence. Swimming is his favorite sport. He was able to swim when he began the program but his skills and confidence have improved through the work of the AWA coaches and instructors. This program has helped fill a huge void in sports programs available to autistic children.

by maryaben

11 months ago | Reply

I am a parent of an athlete. We have not been active since Athletes with Autism changed venues, but my son still asks about his tennis lessons! He had fun, learned new skills, and I got a chance to speak with other parents while he had his lesson. What a great program!

by svan

11 months ago | Reply

I am a parent of an athlete and this program has enriched my daughters life and helped her grow on so many levels. She continues to show fine motor improvement and is getting closer to her goal to join community sports. We owe a lot of this victory to Athletes with Autism. Athletes with Autism creates an environment for my daughter where she feels comfortable and I feel at relief. The use of the social narratives helps guide my daughter through her participation with ease. From the moment we walk in the gym doors its almost as the weight is lifted from our shoulders. We VOTE YES!

by clgunn13

11 months ago | Reply

As co-founder of Athletes with Autism, I have seen so many lives of children with autism positively improve after participating in our sports programs! It' gives me great joy to see families cheer for their children as they achieve physical and social milestones each week:) This grant money can help our athletes achieve even MORE goals and eventually reach more athletes with autism!

by tina.waldus

11 months ago | Reply

by tina.waldus

11 months ago | Reply

I have personally seen the AwA program and iPad product (in beta testing) in practice with children with autism and it's very effective. The grant would allow this program and product to grow to a point where it could be shared with others as a comprehensive instructional technology for children and youth with autism. It's well worth funding!

by smrdillon

11 months ago | Reply