By Charlene Macaulay
A specialised sports program for children on the autism spectrum is helping them transition to mainstream sports teams.
The Sporting Network of Autistic People and Parents (SNAPP) is a not-for-profit group that partners with mainstream sports groups and runs training sessions and games for kids with autism. The sessions are non-competitive and parent coached.
Parents Allison and Kris Gately set up the SNAPP program when they realised starting off with mainstream sports clubs wasn’t working for their son, Bruin, who is on the spectrum.
Ms Gately said the SNAPP program was a “bridging club” for kids.
“Our kids have to deal with mainstream school, with mainstream life, and sometimes they need that extra support,” she said.
“Sports is extremely beneficial for children living on the spectrum. It has rules, it is predictable and non-verbal social interaction with children they would not otherwise have had the courage or reason to interact with.”
SNAPP is partnering Wyndham Vale Soccer Club and Williamstown Congs Cricket Club for term four.
SNAPP will host an open day on Saturday, October 20, from 10am-12.30pm at the Williamstown Congs Cricket Club, JT Gray Reserve, Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown.
Details: snapp.org.au
