# '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:** 1\ **Showing post:** 185
**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)) --- _[View the full topic](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615)._