Autism Awareness Course

Research shows that people with autism are less likely to participate in sport or physical activity than others due to factors related to the condition, including, but not exclusive to:

• Heightened fear and anxiety in social situations
• Difficulty understanding body language and metaphors
• Sensory challenges

JudoScotland and Scottish Disability Sport are addressing these issues by giving coaches the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to involve and support more people with autism to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity.

By taking part in this session you as a coach will aim to increase:

• The confidence and skills of sports practitioners delivering sport for people with autism, enabling them to engage and involve vulnerable people in meaningful ways
• The levels of participation of people with autism in sport, empowering them to make informed choices about their physical activity and securing their long term participation
• The self-esteem and wellbeing of people with autism through their participation in sport, improving their enjoyment and providing a sense of achievement in their physical abilities

It is hoped that this course will help judo coaches of all backgrounds and levels to understand autism, and give them the skills and strategies they need to provide an inclusive physical activity and judo specific environment for people with autism.