Cheerleading and Asperger's.... How I found it helped my daughter.

Leslie - posted on 04/20/2010

My daughter is in competitive cheerleading. It's easier for her because she doesn't have to remember cheers. Right she is working on her back handsprings. She is able to do cartwheels, roundoffs, and running roundoffs. However, her back handspring, she can do it but still needs a spotter. It's great exercise and she likes it because she doesn't have to stand in front of a crowd and say cheers. and unless she joins a squad she doesn't have to memorize routines. It takes awhile for them to learn the tumbles so I don't have to worry about putting her on a squad. She could join one if she wants but I found she is happy going 2 times a week to learn her back handsprings. and the coaches are so amazing with her. I could never imagine them taking her under their wings and making her feel so "normal". The other girls, They help keep her focused and doing what she needs to do at the same time they don't treat her like she is disabled. We expect the same of her as we would expect from any of the other girls. Her coach said to me " she isn't disabled... she is perfectly able" and I agree. She can do anything she puts her mind to doing. Consider putting your daughter in competitive cheer because if she ever wants to join a school cheer squad she is going to have to know how to do these tumbles. They are very competitive. Your son could join too... He would benefit in the small classes and from the exercises. And you wouldn't have to deal with him being around all the yelling from cheers. Vada goes to a Cheer Academy here that is separate from the school. If you would like to know more, feel free to write me back. I was hesitant to put her in cheer. I know now how wrong I was.

Sheila - posted on 04/19/2010

I am glad to hear about this. My daughter (typical) is in cheer and her brother loves to help her with her routines. She works with him and helps him with stretching, learning her routines (minus the tumbles). My son has extreme auditory sensitivity, but if he didn't I would get him involved with the cheer team. Like you, I am so impressed with the coaching and their ability to focus in on each child's individual strength...They really work on building that team atmosphere...no "one" wins and no "one" loses...they all succeed as a team.



My son, although ASD, has had great success with the Playball program. It is absolutely wonderful...I know others who have children with Aspergers who have also loved this program...As well, a friend's son is a swimmer. He is on a team, and does relays as well as individuals. But, there is no hustle and bustle that he gets overwhelmed. He can accept a "loss" because he tracks his own personal times...he wants to come in first, but is always happy if he matches or beats personal bests.



Another friend's daughter loves being part of a downhill ski-team. Same type of reasoning...team sport without being overwhelmed by everything.



Sheila