# 'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism **URL:** \ **Category:** Lounge\ **Created:** [June 5, 2011, 5:40am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615 "2011-06-05T05:40:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 7:16am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/181 "2012-03-26T07:16:33Z")
An interesting quote below on how a parent of an Autistic child can face their child’s disorder and try to create something special out of it. The friend mentioned involved in the Tennis camp I think refers to [Shannon](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/179), mentioned in an above post. Shannon is involved in the Well Served Tennis Academy - based in Simsbury, Connecticut, the Academy seeks to teach children with autism the lifelong sport of tennis… > [@](#): > > …What Mrs. Cutler showed me is that you don’t need to escape the autism to find a piece of yourself. You can embrace what you’ve learned from your child’s autism and then make it a part of what you do for you. > > Like my friend did with her Lego club. Or like what my friend is doing with her tennis camp. > > **I can take what I know about autism and sensory processing disorder and create my own passion from it. It started with my son. But now it can be about so much more** … (source: [Hero Try Defying Gravity](http://trydefyinggravity.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/hero/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 7:31am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/182 "2012-03-26T07:31:38Z")
Below is a report from the founder of a newly created Tennis for Autism group in Cleburne, Texas. The person organising this seems to have a psychology-background and wants to focus on children on the more severe end of the Autistic Spectrum, which is welcome given the difficulty that many parents have in getting these children into activities… > [@](#): > > …I have been working for a while now on developing a tennis program for children with autism. There are many personal accounts out there reporting that children with autism can show significant improvement through participating in tennis. **…In this program, a research based teaching strategy is used for children with moderate-severe autism, called ‘least to most prompting procedure’. In this procedure a child is prompted to perform a task, ex. Hit a forehand. When the child does not respond within seconds, the child is then prompted again, ex. Hit a forehand. As the child is prompted the second time they are then assisted through the motion of a forehand. The idea behind this procedure is that over time the child learns to complete the task without being prompted a second time. In this program I require parent or another responsible family member’s participation. The reason for this is that for strategies the child learns at tennis to continue BEYOND tennis, the family must be involved and learn to use some of these same strategies in the home. Likewise, including parents in the lesson insures that parents then have strategies to follow to be able to take their children out and play tennis on their own.** For those of you that are not familiar with autism, it can often be difficult for families to find activities that they can use to interact as a family with their children. > > …My first group will begin February 26 in Cleburne, Texas (Abilene group to follow shortly)… > > …Every report I have found, a tennis pro not formally educated in psychology has taught these children to play tennis, and has found great success in doing so. I am excited to see what combining a psychology background AND tennis experience can do for these kids! (source: [Tennis for Autism _Cleburne, Texas_ Chapa Images](http://www.chapa-images.com/Blog/2011/12/29/tennis-for-autism-cleburne-texas/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 7:55am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/183 "2012-03-26T07:55:04Z")
Various Tennis events help to act as fundraisers for organisations associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Because Tennis is such a popular spectator sport, there are many household names (for example former tennis professionals) around who are glad to give up some of their time for a good cause. These ex-players help to draw the crowds of course and the funding. In the below quoted passage for example, former professional Gigi Fernandez came along - she actually has a relative with Autism which made the event even more meaningful for her… > [@](#): > > The North Shore Autism Circle hosted their First Annual Serve an Ace for Autism Celebrity Pro-Am tournament … sponsored by Long Island Tennis Magazine and Sportime. The event and evening were a great success thanks to all who came out and supported the cause which provides after-school and weekend programs for children with autism. Nearly $10,000 was raised for the charity. > > “The turnout tonight was amazing with some high-level tennis players. Most of all, this is all about raising money for a great cause,” said former professional player Ilana Kloss, former number one-ranked doubles player in the world. > > …A silent auction, numerous raffles, a prize drawing from Liberty Travel/Sandals and autographed memorabilia from Shafran Collectibles were all part of the night’s activities. Most importantly, the event benefited a very worth cause, the North Shore Autism Circle. It meant a lot for many people, including former professional Gigi Fernandez, who came up from Florida, said, “I came out today because a family member of mine is autistic and this helps support a great cause which is relatable to me.” > > “Everyone had a great time, and we raised a lot of money for a great cause,” said event coordinator Randye … recapping a great evening. (source: [Tennis Community Steps Up and Serves an Ace for Autism | Long Island Tennis Magazine](http://longislandtennismagazine.com/article2966/tennis-community-steps-and-serves-ace-autism)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 9:00am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/184 "2012-03-26T09:00:27Z")
In a [post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/75) of mine from late last year, I mentioned Robert Austin, a Harvard Business School professor. > [@](#): > > …In an article he co-wrote this year with Javier Busquets, Austin quotes a manager at one of Specialisterne’s client companies, who had a revelation when he realised the tailored management approach could benefit all his staff. > > **"He realised that the same approach could be applied to all his employees, especially the particularly talented ones.** > > “Many (but not all) of those, he observed, had eccentricities or other idiosyncrasies of personality or behaviour.” > > He goes on: “You don’t apply interchangeable units of labour to a task; rather, you ‘cast’ a group of variously talented ‘actors’ particularly suited to their roles. And you don’t get to choose among the features, only among the people. Suppress idiosyncrasy and risk suppressing talent also…” Similarly, an adaptive Tennis program for children with Autism being developed in Getzville, New York by Brian and Pam may also give these instructors ideas that could be used to improve their teaching of ‘neurotypical’ kids… > [@](#): > > …My main business is creative problem solving, so I like playing in the mind," [Brian] said. **"To learn how to break things down into very, very small, bite-sized chunks [for the Autistic kids] has been a nice challenge on the tennis side, which I’ve been transferring to working with typical kids as well.** So there’s been a lot of learning for me, too"… (sources: [Company where being ‘different’ is a bonus](http://tools.afr.com/viewer.aspx?EDP://20081118000030548257); [http://www.thinkfirstserve.com/uploads/51772a054ac805e65a9bd78c2be55e3d.pdf](http://www.thinkfirstserve.com/uploads/51772a054ac805e65a9bd78c2be55e3d.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 9:21am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/185 "2012-03-26T09:21:45Z")
One issue that may be a problem for kids with Autism and their often busy parents is accessibility to sporting facilities. While there are quite a few special needs Tennis programs around the United States, it would be quite a coincidence if a family with a child with Autism lived near one. If a child with Autism wanted to try going to classes with the mainstream kids (located in a convenient location) that might be problematic as well - the Autistic child might take longer to learn the sport, have difficulty with behaviour and social interactions, and might require a lot more one-on-one time with the instructor then others. A model like that of Elftennis might be a solution - it is a portable tennis school based in New York, NY. Elftennis offers indoor tennis lessons using portable nets and oversize foam balls… > [@](#): > > … **Because it is portable Elftennis can teach unique segments of the populations.** For instance, Elftennis works with autistic children at SNACK (Special Needs Activity Center for Kids) NYC on E.86th. [Esther, founder of Elftennis] says, “Many of the kids are making headway. At first the kids had difficulty in holding the ball. Now some of the kids are able to connect the ball with a racquet. The kids are hitting, smashing forehands and backhands, and > thoroughly enjoying unleashing their power. It has been very rewarding to teach them.” > > …[Esther] explains tennis helps the autistic students work on tasks that they may find daunting. Often, students with autism find it harrowing to share and take turns. Sometimes, they have to share the racquets and the balls; they are forced to accept it. In addition, students have trouble transitioning from one activity to another. Elftennis classes contain three different activities for each class and they have to adjust quickly. In addition, when throwing and hitting to their aid or their partner, they gain practice at acknowledging another human being. **[Esther] believes that tennis is teaching them life skills**… (source: [ElfTennis.com is for sale | HugeDomains](http://www.elftennis.com/uploads/advertising_rates_2.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 9:30am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/186 "2012-03-26T09:30:58Z")
In a [post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/136) above, I mentioned the involvement of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) in helping with the correct instruction of kids with Autism in that sport. Similarly, the Tennis hierarchy has been involved in trying to ensure that kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders are able, wherever possible, to get suitable quality instruction for their sport. Here is a blurb from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) website: > [@](#): > > …Q. I have been asked to teach tennis to a 10-year-old autistic boy. I have never worked with an autistic person before. Do you have any advice for me? > > A. We run an ambitious program for Autistic Children at the USTA National Tennis Center. We integrate the autistic children with their ably developed brothers and sisters, and this creates a great family environment out on the courts. It has been a successful program. > > The biggest keys to teaching tennis to an autistic child are: > > 1. To get eye contact. Maintaining focus will be the autistic player’s greatest challenge. > > 2. To ask a parent or an assistant to help. This constant, virtually one-on-one, attention makes a huge difference. > > 3. Make it fun. Lots of fun. > > Good luck in this endeavor… (source: [USTA: Find a Tennis Tournament & Play Tennis Near You](http://www.usta.com/Improve-Your-Game/Instruction/Tennis-in-the-Community/Coaching/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 9:46am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/187 "2012-03-26T09:46:20Z")
A combination of a great, devoted coach and two devoted parents can certainly play a strong part in sporting success for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Here is an example of 18-year-old Nick and Tennis… > [@](#): > > …Nick … has autism. But thanks to a devoted tennis coach and two gutsy parents, he has found a sport that not only captivates him, but has given him a social outlet the he has not found in other sports. > …Nick has spent a decade on the tennis courts… > …Diagnosed with autism as a toddler, sports have always been the best way for Nick to interact with others, according to his father, Wayne, who was a strong tennis player growing up in Chicago. …Nick has deficits in language, cognitive ability and social and emotional deficits. Nick can be a challenge as he has many of the stereotypical repetitive behaviors that characterize autism, and also has difficulty focusing combined with hyperactivity. Nick can get very frustrated, which means it’s been a trial and error process to try various sports, including tennis. > Luckily, trying tennis has given Nick the opportunity to work with a very dedicated Special Olympics Coach, Vicky … who has coached him since the age of 8. Vicky answered an advertisement seeking coaches for adaptive programs and has gone on to make a dramatic difference in the lives of many families. Vicky had coached at [Nick] for 15 years and understood the type of commitment it would take to be involved in these special programs. > Nick sums up his feelings about Coach Vicky with an enthusiastic, “She’s nice!” > …Parents Wayne and Marilyn …deeply appreciate the years Vicky has spent with Nick and the progress he has made. “Vicky has a way about her, always giving kids more chances,” Wayne said, adding that “she’s very structured and sets limits,” which is crucial to working within the boundaries of Nick’s autism. “Vicky is really very special. She’s a lot of the reason that it has worked,” > …Describing Nick as “the cutest kid” when he started the program, Vicky warmly describes her long time student as “outgoing and happy. He just loves to be there with everyone.” Vicky knew early on that it was going to take a unique approach to engage Nick. … **She also credits Wayne and Marilyn for their extreme dedication to their son. “They never miss a practice and the consistency and commitment from the parents is so vital.”** > …“Parents need to have the guts to try everything, but to have the right expectations,” she said. > “The joy is in seeing Nick learn new things, and he really likes being there,” Wayne said. He said Vicky is a natural for working with Nick, a rare combination of ability and temperament. **“I still can’t believe someone like Vicky is willing to spend so much time volunteering. She’s just a very special person.”** (source: [USTA Colorado - the Colorado Tennis Association](http://www.coloradotennis.com/cta/website.asp?dept=news&sec=headlines&page=Freedom%20Found)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 9:59am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/188 "2012-03-26T09:59:16Z")
In an above [post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/185), I mentioned _Elftennis_ in New York, NY. _Elftennis_, a portable Tennis school, uses oversized foam balls, right-sized racquets, and smaller portable nets to make the game easier for young children with special needs. Similarly, Vicky (Nick’s coach in the post just above) stresses the importance of adapting the conditions to effectively instruct Tennis to someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder… > [@](#): > > … **Vicky knew early on that it was going to take a unique approach to engage Nick. “You have to make sure that children like Nick are in Adaptive Tennis programs, because a traditional professional approach would not be successful.” …She also uses rubber T-balls which have helped him contact the ball.** > …Marilyn would love to see Nick progress to the point of being able to play games someday, “even if it’s only for fifteen minutes at a time.” She wants other parents of autistic children to learn from their experience with Nick and possibly give tennis a try in an adaptive sports program… (source: [USTA Colorado - the Colorado Tennis Association](http://www.coloradotennis.com/cta/website.asp?dept=news&sec=headlines&page=Freedom%20Found)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 10:29am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/189 "2012-03-26T10:29:54Z")
Here is an abstract of a Turkish study by Yanadarg et al published last year focusing on the success of the Least to Most (LTM) Prompting procedure for instructing tennis to kids with Autism. LTM prompting provides the least intrusive prompt–thus allowing the opportunity to respond more to the learner’s needs. **This prompting strategy is practicable if there is no real hurry to complete a task,** such as when teaching a learner to participate in a leisure activity. When you continue to use high levels of prompts throughout teaching, the student may appear to be learning, but instead might be prompt dependent. > [@](#): > > In the present study, the effects of a least-to-most prompting procedure in teaching basic tennis skills (i.e. tennis ball dribble, air dribble and dribble the lines drills) to children with autism were investigated. A single-subject multiple-probe design with probe conditions across behaviors was used. Participants were four male children with autism, aged 7-9 years. Data were collected over the course of 6 weeks, five times a week, an hour per session. Inter-observer reliability data of the study was determined as 93% on probes and 100% on teaching sessions for participant one, 96% on probes and 100% on teaching sessions for participant two, 90% on probes and 100% on teaching sessions for participant three, and 93% on probes and 100% on teaching sessions for participant four. Procedural reliability showed that the trainer implemented the planned steps with 100% accuracy for all participants. **Results revealed that least to most prompting was an effective instructional approach and all subjects increased their basic tennis skills considerably during intervention.** (source: [Download ?lanka](http://hrcak.srce.hr/file/10378)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 10:44am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/190 "2012-03-26T10:44:30Z")
Many neurotypical people are often, for various reasons, quite a bit better at, and more interested in, sports than those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This means that someone should be able to instruct Autistics who are of the same age extent at a sport like Tennis even if they are no pro tennis player themselves. For an example of impressive hard work and organisation, a New jersey high school girl has managed to set up a program to teach Tennis to kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > …“I’ve always liked working with kids, teaching them schoolwork or tennis. I like helping them learn and seeing them improve.” > The seed was planted when her young cousin was diagnosed with autism and she became determined to help him. From that interaction and from her own research, she decided that sports can help children with autism. As a volunteer for Special Olympics, [Sahana] met an autistic child and began working with him, an experience she calls “rewarding and challenging.” **[Sahana] has expanded her project. She recruited another student … from Princeton High. She connected with Gwen of Princeton Tennis Program, who was very interested and set aside indoor court time … at no charge, and supplied a pro. Now, [Sahana] has 16 student volunteers and seven students; and her goal is to have the program continue successfully, even after her graduation**… (source: [Girls’ Tennis Spotlight: WW-P South High’s Sahana Jayaraman is a mentor, leader | NJ.com](http://www.nj.com/times-sports/index.ssf/2011/10/girls_tennis_spotlight_ww-p_so.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 10:54am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/191 "2012-03-26T10:54:46Z")
In the above post, the girl worked as a volunteer in the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics offer an opportunity for athletes with Autism Spectrum Disorders to get true recognition and medals in their particular sports. Here is part of an article on a tennis tournament for the Special Olympics… > [@](#): > > As the U.S. Olympics theme song filled the air, athletes with autism and down syndrome took their place behind the baseline for the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Regional Tennis Championship on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. Also known as challengers, the athletes came ready to play, compete and win–a feat for their mind and body. > > Challenger Claudia … led the athletes in reciting the Special Olympics Motto: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”… > > Athletes came from all over the Southern California area to attend the Special Olympics competitive event. Nancy … a 24-year-old challenger with Down Syndrome, came to the event from Tustin. > > “This the first time we’ve come to Biola,” said Maryann … longtime volunteer for Special Olympics events and mother of Nancy … “We love [tennis]. It’s really part of our life. It’s our recreation for the most part.”… (source: [Special Olympics Tournament at Biola University | Biola University](http://now.biola.edu/news/article/2011/oct/25/special-olympics-tournament-biola-university/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 11:06am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/192 "2012-03-26T11:06:34Z")
Another tennis program for special needs kids is _Love Tennis_, housed at Maryland Farms YMCA of Brentwood, Tennessee. Founded in 2001 by Beth Williamson, a speech pathologist and professional tennis instructor, _Love Tennis_ seems to have a well thought out, analytical approach involving medical professionals to get the best results for the special needs individual… > [@](#): > > “It’s something I always wanted to do,” said [Beth] … “There’s an athlete in everyone. The whole rehab team works together looking at physical, psychosocial, cognitive, all of it, to better tailor the teacher to the athlete.” > > [Beth] said she is intentionally keeping enrollment small, about 20 to 25 people, to ensure each athlete has a comprehensive therapeutic experience. > > Once a physician clears a patient for exercise, parents or caregivers fill out a questionnaire to determine what they, the athlete and the doctor want from the program. After a full assessment from the therapy team, athletes are placed in groups based on their peers and cognitive abilities. [Beth] said she prefers groups larger than two people because they help participants develop and improve their social skills, but if some people require more time to develop basic motor and cognitive abilities, they can be worked with individually. > > Goals are set for short-term and long-term, typically based on an annual schedule with quarterly evaluations. > > …Love Tennis provides that opportunity and the therapists help motivate the children… (source: [Tennis Therapy Provides Opportunities for Social Growth on East Tennessee Medical News](http://easttnmedicalnews.com/news.php?viewStory=705)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 11:12am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/193 "2012-03-26T11:12:35Z")
The various therapists at the Tennessee-based tennis program for special needs kids, _Love Tennis_, of course also get rewards from seeing improvement in their challenged clients… > [@](#): > > …[Beth, founder of the program] said she and her fellow therapists find great joy in helping these children evolve into athletic, sociable individuals and it’s equally rewarding to hear from parents who are both amazed and appreciative of their child’s new skills. Beyond the individual athlete’s abilities, [Beth] explained, it’s equally important to involve the siblings of athletes along with other friends and family, which provides more of a peer group on the court. It also provides an opportunity to have someone to practice with between lessons. > > …“People tell me it’s so great that I work with these kids, but I tell them I get more out of it than the kids do,” said [Beth]. “You get to watch them grow and learn. They’re wonderful people to be around and I am blessed to be able to work with them.” (source: [Tennis Therapy Provides Opportunities for Social Growth on East Tennessee Medical News](http://easttnmedicalnews.com/news.php?viewStory=705)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 7:06am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/194 "2012-03-27T07:06:05Z")
In an above [post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/190) I mentioned a high school student who has got involved in teaching the game of tennis to Autistic kids. Another high school student who tried to do this is 16-year-old Ashkay, who was involved in Eastern Pennsylvania boys tennis. He had been giving tennis lessons to Asa, a 7-year-old with High Functioning Autism. Over 5 months of tennis lessons, Ahkay noted some definite improvement and behavioural changes with Asa: > [@](#): > > …In my opinion, based on this experience and results, there should be more trials with the use of tennis as a therapeutic intervention for children with autism. As stated before, there is a whole spectrum of autism, with several different levels of involvement, and characteristics. **Yet, the overall outcome to tennis lessons as well as the feedback (from Asa’s parents) has been positive.** Based on my research, 5 months is a relatively short time for effecting a change in a child with autism, but we have noticed several changes already. That is very encouraging. This has been an enriching experience for me. I am learning to appreciate Asa’s discomfort with certain situations and work through it. **Watching him improve with his skills fills me with pride.** And I am learning that I have to be consistent in my behavior, yet allow some flexibility… (source: [http://www.epdtennis.com/pages/paepd/pdfs/Feature%20Story.pdf](http://www.epdtennis.com/pages/paepd/pdfs/Feature%20Story.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 7:15am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/195 "2012-03-27T07:15:45Z")
16-year-old Ashkay was involved in Eastern Pennsylvania boys tennis. He had been giving tennis lessons for 5 months to Asa, a 7-year-old with High Functioning Autism. Ahkay noted one thing that might not happen so often with neurotypical kids: > [@](#): > > … **Sometimes it is very difficult to engage Asa, and he has ‘off’ days** … I think you have to allow for these things when working with people with Autism and see why they have ‘off’ days. If you have figured out the reason why that is, you can try wherever possible to minimise the amount of ‘off’ days… Asa’s ‘off’ days are reminiscent, perhaps, of an employee from Specialisterne having an off day and not turning up to work (see quoted passage below)… > [@](#): > > …Another factor is the social contract that Specialisterne operates which goes beyond what is normal in traditional tech-orientated companies due to ideological and practical reasons. The social contract within an organisation employing largely [Asperger’s Syndrome] workers needs to be different and more pronounced due to complications in the workers private life which can often translate into additional stress for the worker. These issues need to be addressed in order for them to work effectively. > > **One employee suffering from depression for example, didn’t turn up for work for a month!** Instead of terminating the employees’ contract, the company’s social mission and values required that they were supported and helped to a much greater extend to enable them to return to work. So in some ways, though the reasons are positive, the social profile of the firm inevitably constrains its growth potential… (sources: [http://www.epdtennis.com/pages/paepd/pdfs/Feature%20Story.pdf](http://www.epdtennis.com/pages/paepd/pdfs/Feature%20Story.pdf); [Harnessing the Power of ASD | Asperger Syndrome Management](http://www.aspergermanagement.com/harnessing-power)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 7:33am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/196 "2012-03-27T07:33:28Z")
Why might people with Autism Spectrum Disorders be prone to more ‘off’ days than the rest of the population? One issue is that they are often highly sensitive. This could mean that they are extra-sensitive to loud noise, to certain textures, to bright lights and various other things. Any one of these things may tick them off, resulting in off days. **With regards to a tennis lesson or a workday, something like ensuring sleep is optimised every single night may reduce the number of ‘off’ days. I have already mentioned a number of things that may help optimise sleep for Autistics:** - [sleeping under a Ball Blanket (for example one made by Protac)](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/54); - filtering out blue light, which suppresses the body’s production of the sleep-inducing hormone Melatonin, in the evenings; things like [Blue Light Blocking lamps](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/57) and [programs to reduce the colour temperature of computer screens](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/58) work well for this. In addition something like the following should help (quoting my own work): > [@](#): > > …Children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders often have impaired immune function and may be predisposed to allergy symptoms. This may also result in impaired sleep. > > In terms of say a dust mite allergy, substantial avoidance of exposure from beddings can only be achieved by combining the following four barriers: > > - impermeable beddings covers (like an anti-allergen mattress protector); > - regularly vacuuming of covers; > - frequent hot washing of sheets; and > - removal or intensive special cleaning of all other textiles in the bedroom. > > In addition, the novel Purezone HEPA Sleep System has been developed which works in the following way - filtered air passes through a mite impermeable pillow case, resulting in a purified breathing zone. Here is a short video showing how the Purezone works: [NEW PureZone HEPA Sleep System - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_WaNR_JJEs) > In a small sample trial of the Purezone Sleep System, there was a reduction in nasal and ocular symptoms and improvement of quality of life in patients with perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis… (source: [Specialisterne: leveraging the unique skills of Autistics at competitive market terms - #56 by Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/56)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 7:46am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/197 "2012-03-27T07:46:18Z")
> [@](#): > > …Complicating matters is that frequently the social contract that Specialisterne maintains with their consultants goes beyond what would be normal in traditional tech-oriented companies. This arises from ideological and pragmatic reasons. As mentioned, many people with [Autism Spectrum Disorders] endure other complications in their private lives that result from their difficulties with social interaction. Often, the Specialisterne pedagogues will make extra efforts above and beyond normal duties in an effort to help their consultants resolve any complications in their private lives, and this often translates into additional stress for everyone. **For example, we had one employee who suffered from depression and simply did not show up for work for a month.** Instead of terminating the employee, we actively went in to help improve matters and encourage the employee to return to the job. Our social mission and values require that we do this… (source: [http://specialisterne.com/dk/wp-content/uploads/MIT-press-journal.pdf](http://specialisterne.com/dk/wp-content/uploads/MIT-press-journal.pdf)) **Why might people with Autism Spectrum Disorders be prone to more ‘off days’ (and even ‘off weeks’ as in the above quote) than the rest of the population?** One issue is that they are often highly sensitive. This could mean that they are extra-sensitive to loud noise, to certain textures, to bright lights and various other things such as [sleep-related problems](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/196). **Any one of these things may put them off track, resulting in ‘off days’ or just more time in a day when individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders are far from their best.** Lessening the number of ‘off days’ is probably possible for someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. However it is far from a perfect process and there are likely to always be ‘off’ days in a given period (more so than in the neurotypical population anyway). A process of **continuous improvement** is likely to give the greatest results in terms of limiting (rather than completely eliminating) ‘off’ days. **Ensuring interventions are journaled properly** should also result in the more successful ones being utilised properly - see my post on [the AutismTrack mobile journaling program](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/53) for a useful tool in that regard. **16-year-old Ahskay understood the importance of trying to improve an approach he took that is already quite successful (in teaching an Autistic child to play tennis)**… > [@](#): > > … **I think that in the future, the one thing I need to keep in mind is not to be as rigid with the schedule and techniques.** Based on information that I accumulated, I thought that Asa would respond better to a rigid schedule and instructions. For the most part, that does seem to work (his mom thinks that this requires him to focus at the lesson, so that he is more focused when he returns home after the lesson). However, Asa has consistently reported that he does not like to use his left hand on top of his right to hit, and I have been insisting that he does, which sometimes causes a temper tantrum. I think that in order for him to continue getting benefit from tennis to change behaviors in the long term; **I will have to be flexible.** > **Also, as he gets stronger, he may be more willing to use his left arm.** > > **For the future, I would like to introduce more coordination and strength activities in Asa’s program.** I also would like to expand the program to more children, to be able to assess if there is a change in interactive behavior with tennis lessons. **I would also like to develop some more formal guidelines for > measurement of the outcomes of the program**… (source: [http://www.epdtennis.com/pages/paepd/pdfs/Feature%20Story.pdf](http://www.epdtennis.com/pages/paepd/pdfs/Feature%20Story.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 7:56am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/198 "2012-03-27T07:56:05Z")
Overcoming a person’s personal barriers may result in breakthroughs in other areas. **For example in the quoted passage below 16-year-old Ahskay writes about how the 7-year-old that he is instructing in tennis, Asa, has a problem with regards to not being able to use his left hand on top of his right hand to hit.** If this issue is resolved, for example via strength training, it might open up doors in other areas for Asa. It might lead him to gain confidence in surmounting other obstacles in life as well as opening the door to other sporting and physical activities (which may require the regular use of both arms)… > [@](#): > > …For the most part, that does seem to work (his mom thinks that this requires him to focus at the lesson, so that he is more focused when he returns home after the lesson). **However, Asa has consistently reported that he does not like to use his left hand on top of his right to hit, and I have been insisting that he does, which sometimes causes a temper tantrum.** I think that in order for him to continue getting benefit from tennis to change behaviors in the long term; I will have to be flexible. **Also, as he gets stronger, he may be more willing to use his left arm** … (source: [http://www.epdtennis.com/pages/paepd/pdfs/Feature%20Story.pdf](http://www.epdtennis.com/pages/paepd/pdfs/Feature%20Story.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 8:03am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/199 "2012-03-27T08:03:49Z")
For those kids with Autism who would prefer not to leave the house for their exercise, the Nintendo Wii may offer alternative option to actually going to a Tennis court for example. Below is a quoted passage on the benefits of a Wii for children with Autism from a parent of a child with the condition: Summary of why the Wii has been great for our son with Autism: > [@](#): > > … **Summary of why the Wii has been great for our son with Autism:** > > Extremely visual system is rewarding and relatable. > > The Wii is active. You need to get up and move to play. It definitely works on both hand-eye coordination as well as gross motor skills. > > Mii avatars are friendly and engaging. We have noticed increased eye contact when playing instead of him zoning out or stimming a lot which he usually does when he plays computer or video games. > > Training Modules in Wii Sports teaches the game and tracks progress and success. For example, in the bowling he earned Pro status within a few weeks of playing and is proud of his accomplishment (The bowling ball with stars on it is a positive reinforcer) > > Encourages sharing and has been an asset in teaching cooperation between siblings and friends. The Wii is extremely social and helps develop good turn-taking skills. It is more fun when you play with other people and my son likes to set up a game for our entire family. Not only has it helped my son with back and forth turn taking it has brought our family together and back into the same room instead of being off doing our own thing. The Wii has been a tool through which my son who struggles with being social is able to do so successfully. > > The Nintendo Wii has helped my son’s sensory issues – i.e. Coping with clapping and loud noises. There is a lot of clapping and cheering in Wii Sports. Pre-Wii he would have cried when he heard clapping. Now with the Wii - he claps along with it when he gets a good score. He expects you to clap along with it too when he does well. He claps for other people when they do well. He is now doing a lot better with clapping outside of the Wii as well. We are finding that we can go without his ear muffs more often than not and that clapping is becoming ‘no big deal’ instead of causing major upset. Thank you, Wii! > > There is a large variety of games available for the Wii to appeal to a wide range of interests. My son loves the sports games and has now shown an interest in playing more real sports instead of being sedentary… (source: [Consider the Nintendo Wii for Kids with Autism - Autism Spectrum Disorders](http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art58580.asp)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 8:10am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/200 "2012-03-27T08:10:00Z")
Here is someone talking about some success with the Nintendo Wii Fit for their Autistic child. This is a video game system that allows the user to physically interact with games – including tennis, bowling, golf, etc. **The great advantage for this system, again, is the convenience of not having to leave the house to get some kind of workout** … > [@](#): > > …Our son Tom (age 13, high functioning autistic) who NEVER wants to play games with ANYone, has gotten seriously into this game… > > **Here’s the thing I’m realizing: this game (like most video games) is challenging Tom to use skills like logic (remembering the sequence of putting in the DVD, setting the right channel, clicking the right buttons, etc.); planning (I have to remember that the big ball will bonk me if I’m not ready to jump out of the way in three seconds); agility (physically dashing, jumping, ducking, etc.); and sharing.** I may be nuts, but I think I’m seeing some improvements in his ability to preplan and think for himself since we bought this game!.. (source: [Autism and the Wii Fit](http://autism.about.com/b/2010/01/27/autism-and-the-wii-fit.htm)) [Previous page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=9) [Next page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=11)