Softball Team for Autistic Kids
Little League Challenger Teams Help Kids with Special Needs Have Fun
Little League Challenger teams offer children with autism, Asperger's and other disabilities the chance to build confidence, meet new friends and have lots of fun.
Little League Challenger Softball Teams
Are you looking for something fun for your child who has autism/Asperger's or other disabilities to do this spring and summer? Try enrolling him or her in a Little League Challenger ball team. Charter teams are popping up in most all states around the U.S. There are more than 275 programs in the country now and teams are being added all the time.
The Focus is on ABILITIES and FUN
Kids and parents alike LOVE IT! Little League has a program specifically designed for boys and girls who face challenges in their lives, and provides every child, as much as possible, the opportunity to play ball regardless of their disability. It focuses on their abilities.
Co-ed teams range in age from 5 to 21 (if they are still in school). Each team consists of between 9 and 15 players and they play approximately 12 games per season. Many areas also have a 'Fall Ball' team that gives yet another opportunity to play ball and continue the fun after a short summer break.
Rules Set Up for Success
The rules are specially designed to make all players successful: If not all players on the team show up, then the teams can be mixed. A 'buddy system' is used to assist the players around the bases and out in the field. There are no outs, no score is kept and everyone gets up to bat each 2-3 inning game. Some children are very skilled and strong, some need assistance at holding a bat or they can hit from a tee, and some travel around the bases in wheelchairs pushed by parents, friends or volunteers.
Emphasis On Safety
Safety is the first concern and teams are provided with equipment to meet these needs. A visually-challenged girl on my grandson's team uses a slightly larger ball that beeps and she can hit it off the tee. Her dad guides her around the bases and she giggles the whole way!
Praise and high-five's are given to each player who crosses home plate, (and everyone does!) makes a good play, gets a hit or just plays ball as best as he or she can. All players are covered by their league's insurance and everyone receives a uniform shirt and hat.
As Ed Beardsley, state coordinator for one of the Challenger divisions said, "Finally, there is a team where ALL children can play and have fun regardless of their disability. All these kids' lives, people have put them aside. Now the Challenger program says, 'You can do it, so let's get out there and play!'" Mr. Beardsley goes on to say he has seen many youngsters increase their attention span through playing, and that his own son's greater confidence has helped him do better in school. But, he emphases, "The most important thing is the youngsters enjoy themselves!"
