Sports and Children with Special Needs

The benefits of sports

The benefits of regular physical activity are many:

• Better overall fitness

• Improved cognitive health

• Better control of weight

• Healthier bone density

• Better emotional and psychological health

• Improved social skills and relationships

• Improved motor skills

• More self-esteem

• Reduced risk for diseases, such as diabetes

• Less isolation and increased feelings of inclusion

• Improved academic achievement

Types of sports for children with special needs

Just about any sport or activity can be altered to give children with special needs the cardiovascular, flexibility, and strength-training benefits that allow kids to stay healthy and fit. Children in wheelchairs, for instance, can play basketball or tennis. Children who can't use their limbs or those with mental disabilities can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding.

Sports and activities especially good for children with special needs are:

• Swimming

• Bicycling

• Soccer

• Football

• Handball

• Gymnastics

• Boccia

• Weightlifting

Some sports don't need any changes. For instance, the buoyancy felt in the water while swimming offers a sense of freedom for children who use wheelchairs. Other activities can be changed to make them a better fit. Therapeutic riding programs, for instance, can help children learn to ride a horse with correct instruction. Also, these programs use special devices to keep children safe, whatever their special needs might be. Competition-level participation is available, too. There are a variety of wheelchair sports teams and leagues. A child can also take part in the Special Olympics.

Getting started with sports

Parents of children with special needs should encourage participation in sports and physical activity in general. Don't approach sports as something they can't do. Rather, guide them toward taking part in sports in which they can succeed and have fun doing so.

See to it that your child gets a complete physical exam. It helps make sure your child is healthy enough to play the desired sport. Also make sure that the coach understands your child's disability. They need to know how it might affect the way your child plays or takes instruction. The coach needs to know how to correctly talk and work with your child to make sports participation the positive, safe, and healthy experience it should be.