Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Swim team rejects girl because she has autism.

photon · 05-09-2010, 12:21 AM

I guess I can appreciate both sides of the issue.

Someone on the autism spectrum can be quite disruptive (not intentionally) to a class or environment, especially if the instructors do not have any experience with that sort of thing.. things that work with "typical" kids can have the opposite effect, making things worse.

And when the other parents feel like their kids enjoyment or ability to learn or safety is compromised they WILL speak up (and yell, and be abusive, people suck).

On the other hand it's not at all fair that kids already having social or other difficulties are further marginalized because of that, they're already struggling now they have fewer opportunities because programs won't accept them. Every time I hear the phrase "maintain the integrity of our program" I want to punch someone in the face.

I guess my question is don't they have any resources to help? I know in Calgary there are organizations that would (for example) provide an aide for the swimming activity that is experienced with autism and could be there to supplement the swimming instructor.

05-09-2010, 12:21 AM	#3
photon The new goggles also do nothing. Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Calgary Exp:	I guess I can appreciate both sides of the issue. Someone on the autism spectrum can be quite disruptive (not intentionally) to a class or environment, especially if the instructors do not have any experience with that sort of thing.. things that work with "typical" kids can have the opposite effect, making things worse. And when the other parents feel like their kids enjoyment or ability to learn or safety is compromised they WILL speak up (and yell, and be abusive, people suck). On the other hand it's not at all fair that kids already having social or other difficulties are further marginalized because of that, they're already struggling now they have fewer opportunities because programs won't accept them. Every time I hear the phrase "maintain the integrity of our program" I want to punch someone in the face. I guess my question is don't they have any resources to help? I know in Calgary there are organizations that would (for example) provide an aide for the swimming activity that is experienced with autism and could be there to supplement the swimming instructor. __________________ Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one.