I heard that the Paralympics closing ceremony was amazing! I missed it as well as the Olympics closing ceremony and the Paralympics opening ceremony, one does, a day in the life eh 😅 for a Parent Carer.
But I did manage to catch loads of sporting events throughout the Paralympics I noticed this time that abilities and eligibilities were clearly written as footnotes on the screen, describing where the vulnerabilities and disabilities were with the contestants. It gave me a clearer picture of who was competing but also a sense of awe as how one does compete. I felt a little ashamed, and asked myself "what am I doing with my all-too-able body?" I silently vowed to take up Tennis again ...
The Paralympics brings to the front right and centre, "Hope", and "Resilience", and "Out of the box thinking". I saw immense innovation in reasonable adjustments for all the contestants to compete. Did anyone watch a Boccia game? Wow!
Sadly I dare not speak on a PAN Disability perspective so for the rest of the article I will only focus on those that are on the Autistic spectrum.
Question: If I am on the autistic spectrum am I eligible to train for the Paralympics?
Answer: Google AI says "Yes", but other eligibility criteria apply. The Paralympics International Committee website also agrees highlighting that those with intellectual impairment would be eligible this of course is a whole host of labels and traits but what is been looked at is those that have social, conceptual and practical skills challenges and these areas are identified prior to the person becoming 18 years of age. These areas very much resonate with the autistic profile where predominate social cues are not seen/interpreted differently, or not learned organically, and conceptually one differs from mainstream understanding (I personally call this a "fresh perspective"), and finally where other co-diagnosis or traits might affect expected "executive functioning" - the ability to start a process from steps a - z with little or no support which can be a challenge especially when the expected activity makes no sense at all to the one that it is been asked of. For example, I would like my Autie little one to make a toast but the look on her face says it all. "Mum you have always done it and it tastes great, so why me, why now?", a fair point but I wonder if she realises the power that comes with that skill, "Honey, you get to make a toast anytime you like!"
What kind of sports can I do?
Answer: Now the games we would have seen would be the obvious answer, so Vicky why are you mentioning this? I feel it is very important to highlight why these games might be suitable. From an autistic person's point of view, self-direction and control can be very important so you want to think and explore sports where it does not involve a team (although this is not always the case), and I cannot recommend more one of the first books I read on the autistic subject "1001 great ideas for teaching and raising childing with the autism spectrum disorder by Ellen Notbotm, and Veronica Zysk" here we see Swimming, Skateboarding, Cycling, Tennis, Archery, Snowboarding, Horseback riding, Karate, Gymnastics, Sprinting, Marathons to name a few. These sports are usually a one-person game and self-paced, self-directed with a close coach relationship that understands their needs and can be routinised.
Where do I begin?
Answer: Your local community centre. Try one or more sports sessions and see which one feels right. Enjoy the process even the setbacks as it all adds up. I would say that where available, do try the PAN Disability sporting sessions or SEND sessions first.
Where would you recommend in Brighton and Hove?
Answer: Good question I am also having the conversation with my Autie and working my way through the list, but Word on the Street mentions
If you are not a Unpaid Parent Carer what can I do today?
Do you have a niece, nephew, or cousin under 18 or even a family trusted friend whose little one is on the spectrum, have the Paralympics conversation with them even if it appears they might not be aware or register you. Ask them what they know, if they know, how they feel, and what they might like to try. Tell them about the champions that were made, and sow the seed of hope.
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Thank you again for reading this article and getting this far, it takes some time as you can imagine to put in all the details today. My life and professional experiences are shaping my carer role and I hope to only bring helpful and important insights, over the years. Unfortunately, the current job market and roles as well as expectations do not favour or allow me to perform my caring role that does not compromise the quality of life for the person I care for, so my options are limited. But if you found something useful in this article would you consider donating to my Go Fund Me Page
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