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Equitable Access to Sports: Youth Gymnastics Coaches' Perceptions on Promoting Inclusivity for Athletes with Autism
Alec Sheaffer1, Camille Skubik-Peplaski1, Shirley Peganoff O'Brien1
1Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY, USA.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
|January 28, 2025
Summary
Youth gymnastics coaches identified environmental barriers hindering autistic children's sports participation. Occupational therapists can enhance inclusion by educating coaches on strategies to support neurodiverse athletes in sports.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Sports Medicine
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Inclusive sports participation is crucial for child development.
- Barriers exist for autistic youth engaging in sports.
- Occupational therapy's role in sports inclusion requires further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore youth gymnastics coaches' perceptions of inclusive sports participation after an educational module.
- To identify implications for occupational therapy professionals in promoting inclusive sports.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study using convenience sampling.
- Nine coaches completed an educational module on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and inclusion strategies.
- Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically with triangulation and member checking.
Main Results:
- Occupational engagement in sports benefits all children.
- Sociocultural and physical environments pose barriers to autistic youth's sports participation.
- Coach knowledge and interpersonal skills improve inclusive practices for autistic youth.
Conclusions:
- Inclusive sports participation is influenced by multifaceted environmental factors.
- Occupational therapists are well-positioned to advocate for and educate on inclusive sports programs.
- Equitable sports participation promotes health and wellness for all children.
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