ASD kids team up to have a ball

By Rose Cawley

One boy pulls the finger, another pinches a teammate, and one more is caught wailing because the post-match oranges have run out.

The mother, who the finger was directed at, brushes it off with understanding. “Doesn’t he have temperament of a goalie,” she says.

Not the usual response to such behaviour. But this is not your ordinary soccer team; these boys have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

And what is considered unacceptable elsewhere is seen as a “quirk” here.

The pinching is stopped with a gentle word and the little boy consoled with a promise of more oranges next week.

Mt Roskill parents Mellissa and Kevin O’Sullivan started up the soccer league in June for children who, like their 8-year-old son Sebastian, have ASD.

Mrs O’Sullivan says getting up off the couch and away from the television is important for every child.

But when your child does not fit into mainstream teams and there is nowhere else to turn to, it is a hard task, she says.

The team offers the children an outlet for physical activity and a chance to be part of a team, while also getting their exercise for the day, Mrs O’Sullivan says.

“The team aspect is important, because from personal experience, they can miss out on that. To gain some mates is really important.”

Her husband, who coaches the team, says it is not so much about soccer, but about getting the kids playing sport without being judged.

“They just can’t go into mainstream teams, because from seven to eight years old it gets really competitive.

“It’s the parents. The parents on the sideline always know the score, even when there isn’t one.

“Parents just won’t put up with a kid who pulls the fingers or picks up the ball at the wrong time.”

With this in mind, the team allows for each child’s quirks.

“It’s the right of every kid to play sport on the weekend and not to be told off for it,” he says.
Autism NZ spokesperson Marion Johns says physical activity is important, but existing barriers can make it harder for children with social behavioural issues to access sport.

“In order for children to enjoy sport they need to be in an understanding, relaxed atmosphere,” she says.

For more information, contact Mellissa or Kevin on 021 456 354.