Paving the Path for Neurodiversity

O-Inclusive-Sport

I’m Lauren, the Inclusion Coordinator at Twisters. Inclusion in sport is something I’m incredibly passionate about as a person living with a disability. I’m responsible for our SocialGym program and all things inclusion! I aim to develop strategies to engage with marginalised communities struggling to access and participate in gymnastics. I also educate coaches on strategies to coach children with special needs to ensure they’re getting the most of their sport.

I would like to share a little of my experience and story about growing up with disabilities and how gymnastics has helped me. I’m on the Autism spectrum and have ADHD and Dyslexia. When my parents got me diagnosed, they were given a list of things I wouldn’t be able to do or achieve. This didn’t sit well with my parents. They were very transparent with me from a young age about my challenges and did all they could to provide me with extra support and instilled the attitude to never give up. 

I felt singled out in school because I was at a different reading and writing level, but I always tried my best and never let my challenges stop me from participating in the learning experience, despite teachers’ misconceptions. I continued to participate in what I was good at, which was contributing to the class conversation, creative and collaborative group tasks, and problem-solving complex problems. 

Making friends was challenging because of my Autism. I felt my peers looked down on me for being different and getting extra support in school. Despite being singled out for learning differently, I continued to seek additional support throughout my schooling, such as using assistive technology and asking the teacher for assistance when necessary. 

As a child, school was a stressful environment for someone like me. Shortly after starting prep, I was enrolled in a local recreational gymnastics program. When I first entered the doors at gymnastics, I felt included and that allowed me to let go of all outside stress. I really enjoyed the gymnastics environment as a child with ADHD. It allowed me to take risks in a safe, controlled environment. It provided me with a set structure and routine which people with Autism thrive on. Shortly after starting the recreational program, I was offered a spot in the competitive stream. I finally started making friends in this program, which I struggled to do at school. Gymnastics helped me develop a good work ethic and discipline to learn, to commit and overcome challenges. The demands of competitive gymnastics helped me develop good time management, which has helped develop a good work-life balance now that I’m older. 

It is often challenging to find social groups for special needs children aged 8-12 years old that your child will enjoy and are interested in participating in. Last year I proposed to Twisters owner, Sarah, the idea of developing a social gymnastics program combining educational games fostering the theme of friendships and problem-solving skills for children with special needs. The idea came from my experience participating in gymnastics, which I found inclusive and helped me develop lifelong skills, all of which positively impacted me. 

After many months of research and program development, SocialGym was born! It’s an inclusive educational gymnastics based program bringing together like-minded children to help develop their social, emotional and problem-solving skills to help build and maintain relationships while keeping fit. SocialGym runs at Northcote and will be running at Showgrounds in the future. We are currently welcoming children to join us for the limited spots we have available. If you are interested in exploring this program for your child, please reach out to me via email, on inclusion@twistersgym.com.au.

I truly look forward to helping you find the place for your child to thrive within the sport of gymnastics!

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