Autistic Struggles within Sport

• Socialising – team bonding or events/being popular amongst teammates.
• Honesty – not diving for a free kick/claiming a corner which wasn’t theirs.
• Navigating illogical rules/policies – getting yellow carded for a foul they didn’t commit.
• Plans changing – team systems changing/moving clubs/fixtures or training rearranged.
• Talking skills – may talk less/not understand what they’re meant to say.
• Banter – may not understand this, may take things literally.
• Climbing the ladder – may not possess social skills to do this (applying for a manger role).
• Anxiety – performing in front of large crowds/teammates.
• Opposition fans/spectators – may react to abuse or be unable to block out.
• Challenging authority if they don’t agree with them – disagree with managers or coaches.
• May only be able to play/perform a certain way – using 1 foot/holding a racket ‘wrongly’.
• Coordination – running differently/timing when jumping.