Benefits of Sports for Children with Disabilities 

Sports are more than just physical activity. Participating in sports helps children learn important life lessons and foster valuable connections with their peers. While all children can benefit from sports, children with physical and developmental disabilities can see huge rewards from participating in solo or organized sports. 

Physical Benefits of Sports for Children with Disabilities 

The most obvious benefit of sports is increased physical activity. Studies show that children with autism can have below-average motor skills and muscle strength. Participating in sports helps children refine their motor skills, build up their endurance, and improve their overall physical health. 

Some recommended sports for children with disabilities are swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, soccer, and track and field. Each of these individual activities can offer unique advantages to children who participate.  

Here are ways each of the sports listed above can help children with disabilities: 

Swimming: Swimming can teach children coordination and spatial awareness. It also gives them an environment that’s familiar and somewhat private if they can have their own lane. Swimming can also be stress-relieving for children who may have emotional dysregulation. 

Gymnastics: Though gymnastics isn’t seen as a team sport, it helps foster inclusivity for children with disabilities because they need to interact with their coaches and peers during classes and lessons. Additionally, gymnastics offers a wide range of movements that help children with motor skills, balance, and strength. Children are also able to explore multiple touch and sensory based activities through tumbling, balance beam, bars, and trampolines. 

Martial Arts: Whether it's karate, taekwondo, or another discipline, martial arts can be a great sport for children with disabilities. Instead of team-based sports that can overwhelm some children, martial arts are focused on self-discipline and individual practice. It provides children with a calm, stable environment that helps kids work towards a specific goal. Martial arts is also based on respect, which fosters an environment of inclusion and acceptance. 

Soccer: If a child enjoys competition and can handle fast paced games, soccer is a great option. By joining a soccer team, children are able to refine their physical motor skills and learn teamwork and socialization skills in a structured environment. 

Track and Field: Participating in track and field can be a good fit for children with developmental disabilities. One of the many reasons for this is that children can be physically active and strive for a goal without the pressure of constant communication with teammates. Activities like running, walking, and jumping can help kids release pent-up energy and help them with emotional regulation. Track and field also have kids perform simple and repetitive motions which can help with sensory stimulation. 

Social Benefits of Sports for Children with Disabilities 

One of the biggest benefits of sports is that they build social bridges for children with disabilities. Participation in sports, even ones that don’t directly involve teamwork, help children with communication. Whether it’s communicating with a coach or their peers, sports can greatly enhance any related social interactions. 

Being part of a team teaches children the value of teamwork and collaboration. Team sports also help children with disabilities feel involved in their community and can open the door for new friendships. 

Emotional and Behavioral Benefits of Sports for Children with Disabilities 

It’s scientifically proven that participation in sports can improve self-esteem. Being part of a team and reaching individual milestones helps to foster a sense of pride and confidence. Also, for many individuals with autism, routine physical movement can help with emotional regulation and a significant improvement in quality of life. 

Working towards a goal in sports helps children with discipline and time management. It also teaches children how to handle setbacks and learn perseverance. Many different sports also encourage children to work together and in pairs, teaching eye contact and turn-taking. 

Benefits for Parents 

Sports don’t only benefit children; they can also offer considerable benefits to parents as well. Parents can build community with other people who are involved in the sport. This can give them a greater sense of support and kinship.  

Being a parent to a child with disabilities can offer its own set of challenges, and sports allows parents to connect with others who understand and can offer encouragement and assistance in times of need. 

How Sports Tie into Service Lines 

24 Hour Home Care offers a service line that can help children with community-based or individual sports. Social Recreation Coaching is a program that promotes socialization and recrational opportunities for individuals who are served by a California Regional Center.  

Families can choose a person they know to act as their loved one’s coach. Coaches help children and/or young adults achieve their personal goals, build social skills, and further overall mental and physical development. 24 Hour Home Care provides specialized training to coaches, so they feel empowered to help make a difference in the life of the person they serve. Social Recreation coaches are paid for the hours they work.  

To learn more about Social Recreation coaching, reach out to your local Regional Center.