An Introduction to Exercise and Sport for People Who Have Autism
Publisher: Amanda Durrant; First edition (1 Sep 2009), Available through Amazon
Description: paperback, 80 pages, English
Price: UK 17.58 pounds
Author: Amanda Durrant

Reviewer: Steve Jefferies, Central Washington University (jefferis@cwu.org)

Earlier this year, pelinks4u contributor Elyse Morin wrote about the positive impacts of exercise for children with autism. She noted, "Autism is a developmental disorder that is distinguished by its impairment of social interface and communication, and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Autism now affects close to 20 out of every 10,000 children and is diagnosed by the presence or absence of certain developmental behaviors." The severity of the effects of autism vary between individuals and may not be consistent daily. According to Morin, "Children with autism have trouble participating socially, making eye contact, playing creatively, and making friends, they have fewer occasions to partake in physical activity than their socially-able peers, and are generally less active. Exercise not only effects the child’s physical health, but also serves to combat the manifestations of the disorder."

Movement is one of the most effective therapies for children with autism and in "An Introduction to exercise and sport for people who have autism" British author Amanda Durrant uses her many years of experience as a disability coach to help guide parents and sports providers to plan and deliver exercise and sports session to individuals with severe to moderate Autism who would normally find it difficult to interact in a sports setting in a focused way. Durrant notes:

As a disability sports coach it is my responsibility to include those who have severe Autism in a gym and agility session. An exercise session needs to be accessible if individuals are to realise their potential. Importantly, the session itself needs to be of a style that is compatible with a person's needs and promotes and not hinders their inclusion. This book was set out to help parents and providers with a starting point in delivering a session with structure to a person with complex needs. Many of the children who started some time ago using these methods are now enjoying different sports within their community."

This is a highly practical book. Durrant doesn't attempt to analyze the condition of autism syndrome disorder (ASD) but explains in detail how to plan physical activities that autistic individuals can successfully perform. She begins with preparatory tips on establishing an appropriate learning environment then gives advice on teaching strategies. The remainder of the book is divided into four sections, Jog and Stop, Ribbon Time, Roll Ball, and Kick Ball. Each section takes the reader carefully through instructional stages that will help to maximize successful learning outcomes. The stages are progressive so that teachers can adapt movement challenges to each learner's individual ability. Durrant also makes suggestions for ways to begin and end each lesson.

Many skills are covered including: taking turns, running, stopping, body shapes, sequences, locating, retrieving, rolling, kicking and how to play a game that suits the needs of an individual. As teachers who have autistic students well know, there are few resources that provide practical steps to get students moving and help prepare them to participate in a physically active lifestyle. If you teach autistic students, Amanda Durrant's new book may be just what you a looking for.