Baseball Hitting and Autism - a combination that works

In order to be the best you can be in the hitting arena, it takes complete focus on your part.

Utilizing both your mind and body is an important factor that many players overlook.

Even though power and finesse is helpful, the baseball player who can unify the mind and body will prosper no matter what his or her size is each year. Even when it comes to an autistic child.

Most coaches don't understand that the best way to teach a child with Autism is by constant repetitive action. Even though this child wants to learn, there are many times that he or she will be able to communicate with you, but without being able to tell you they cannot grasp what you're saying.

It's a difficult process and a situation that should have as much sensitivity as possible.

Everyone's the Same

When children are growing up, the way you teach them is by repetition. If they get into things, you tell them not to do it again.

When they get in the car, you tell them to put their seatbelt on. When they're done with dinner, you tell them over and over again to clean their dishes. Then again maybe not. Regardless, it's the same thing with baseball hitting.

When it comes to teaching a child with Autism, the only difference is you have to teach things a little longer. You will find there are several autistic baseball players of all ages that enjoy the game today.

What it comes down to is having the patience, determination, and ability to want to teach the art of baseball hitting to an autistic child.

The Winding Road

Even though you can teach repetition, there will be some obstacles more difficult than others.

You're really going to have to start out with the basics and continue to do so throughout the year. We recommend bringing out the tee and continuously teaching your player to provide a level swing.

Even when you accomplish this goal, it's important to keep it within the regimen during practice. This way your autistic child can continue the repetition and keep it fresh in his or her mind.

One on One

If you're a parent with an autistic child, you already know the importance of one on one time with your child.

When it comes to baseball hitting and every other aspect of the game, it is crucial to have this time. Now we're not saying if you're a coach, you need to spend all your time with an autistic child.

However, if the parent can spend the time with them or another qualified professional, it will help.

Making a Plan

If you're a coach reading this, the best thing you can do is set out schedules. Your practice should be set up for all the kids as a whole.

When you've planned this out, make sure you set aside some time with your autistic child. Granted, you'll want to have the other kids keeping busy, but this will allow you the time necessary to give him or her the extra help needed.

Baseball Hitting at Its Best

Listen, just because your child is autistic doesn't mean they can't learn all the aspects of the game. The truth is it just takes a little longer.

For coaches out there who have a youth league team, understand that patience is necessary regardless of the kids on the team.

If you're a parent, you just need to find the right coach.

A Little Background

In our local community, there is an opportunity each year to help autistic teams. It's a nice event for children who think differently of yours to see and understand that just a little help can go a long way.

Just last year it was our team's turn to provide assistance in what is called "The Challenger's Game." We saw some great hits, great fans, and children that had the time of their life.

If you want your autistic child to benefit from things such as this, then start out by teaching them a little baseball hitting. In the end, they will be as happy as can be because they matter to everyone.