Paddlers on the Autism Spectrum may need additional support or changes to coaching style to help them develop to their full potential. The following guidance is based on a poster circulated by the Department of Health.
- Explain at every stage what you are about to do, what will happen next and why. Try to ensure you present a complete picture - when you start explain the entire activity through to getting off the water, changing and leaving.
- Give the person time to understand the information you have given. Wait a few seconds for a response.
- People on the autistic spectrum might take what you say literally, so avoid words with a double meaning and humour that could be misunderstood.
- Questions and instructions should be clear and direct. Use pictures if necessary.
- Maintain a routine: do not depart from the plan that you have explained at the beginning of the session.
- Ask the person or if more appropriate their parent or carer or advocate what support they might need.
- Social difficulties may include lack of eye contact, unusual body language, talking at inappropriate moments or about inappropriate topics.
- Repetitive behaviour may be a coping mechanism and should be respected.
- The environment is important so try to keep the immediate environment as calm as possible.
- Always consider the person's behaviour in terms of his or her autism, even if it becomes challenging.
