One of my biggest frustrations has always been how IEP teams don’t encourage students with an NVLD and similar disabilities, such as Autism and Dyspraxia, to join school or community sports teams. Sports can bring many challenges for individuals who have gross motor skills; however, I truly believe that the incredible benefits that can be gained far outweigh any negatives. Being part of a team leads to having incredible mentors and building strong friendships, given how you spend so much time working together during your athletic seasons. So in this piece I will discuss the remarkable positives of being part of a sports team and the how difficulties help you grow.
For example, in early elementary school, being in sports helps you improve skills such as better motor skills, taking turns, and developing stronger listening skills. These areas can be an area of weakness for students with an NVLD and similar weak disabilities, so having direct practice in a supportive and fun setting can do wonders for students. The great thing, too, is that many don’t even realize they are working through their social communication and motor skills deficits by being part of a team. I experienced this and am grateful that my parents chose community sports as a way for me to practice these skills.
In addition, in later elementary school, being part of sports teams teaches you the importance of time management, how to be respectful, be a good friend, and to do your best in everything you do. These skills are often a weakness, so having the coaches expect hard work, strong commitment, and being respectful of teammates truly inspires you to become better in these skills, as the support from your teammates and the guidance from the coaches make it easier to work on the possible deficits in these areas. These skills are often transferred to the classroom, which then helps you become a more effective and happier student and realize how working hard and supporting others makes a positive difference.
Now in middle school, sports start to become even more of a beneficial activity, yet your options may start to become more limited. For example, practices are now on every school day and occasionally on the weekends. Therefore, the student has to demonstrate even more commitment, and the coaches expect you to make great improvements throughout the year. This leads to developing an understanding of the importance of hard work and dedication to whatever task you are involved in. It also teaches you to develop stronger time management skills as your schedule is fuller. In addition, friendships are now formed more independently, so it is extremely helpful to be part of a team, as being together regularly makes creating friendships easier. Yes, at this point, team sports may start to become too challenging, but please understand that individual sports, such as track, do bring the same incredible benefits.
Now, in high school, is when IEP teams especially miss seeing the benefits of being in sports. One of the reasons is that at this level, sports are very competitive, so many people think these students can no longer be included in sports. However, through sports like cross country and track, they can be. It starts with open communication and a high level of determination. For many, it brings impressive growth, such as a greater level of confidence and how to be a good friend to others by working together continuously throughout the season. In addition, it teaches you to never give up. This attitude leads to better grades throughout high school. Most of all, it helps prevent social isolation as you have a consistent peer group. I look back and think how lonely I would have been without being able to be a three-season athlete, as my best connections were made through athletics.
Overall, I completely understand the emotional and physical concerns that IEP teams can have for individuals with an NVLD and similar disabilities being on sports teams. I certainly faced some difficulties as an athlete. However, what I remember most is the incredible positives I experienced, such as winning one of our section’s sportsmanship awards for Cross-Country twice. These students truly need structured activities to help find their purpose, make meaningful friendships, and develop a strong work ethic. Being on sports teams provides wonderful opportunities for all of this, especially in sports like Cross-Country, as a big focus is on doing your best, never giving up, and learning how to support others. So please start encouraging these students to join sports, especially the teams without cuts, as the students will develop stronger confidence levels, earn higher grades, and exhibit better behaviors in and outside of the classroom.
Eileen
Eileen is a Project Social Ambassador and blogger for The NVLD Project. She loves helping others understand they can achieve their goals and dreams through hard work and dedication.
