Autism Therapy: martial arts

definition of martial arts: not yet defined.

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Sports League for Kids with Autism Thrives in California

Aug 12, 2011

What do you do when you can’t find a team sport for your kid with autism? You start the Autism Youth Sports League (the “A” League). Lora Mancini got the league started when she found there were other parents who had children with autism and couldn’t find team sports for them. This summer there are 200 participants and their activities include baseball, karate, bowling, soccer, and hip-hop. One parent appreciates that her child is not judged in the “A” League, another explains, “I put my child in mainstream sports and it was not working out. This was the best solution for all ages 4 –18, all abilities.” Mancini goes on to say that while these children have their own league, it doesn’t mean they’re not pushed to do their best in sports.

Read original article: A Sports League for Kids with Autism Expands


Jujitsu Champ Developed Martial Arts Class to Help Kids with Autism

Jul 26, 2011

Allan Goes, a jujitsu champion, and his wife Carolina, a psychologist, began teaching a martial arts class specifically for kids with autism. When their second son was diagnosed with autism, they worked with his ABA and occupational therapists to develop a martial arts program for him. Now the Goes Martial Arts Center holds one class a week for kids with special needs, and has found that the children also benefit from participation in classes with neurotypical kids. The benefits from martial arts are not just self-defense, but self-confidence and interpersonal skills and communication.

Read original article: Mixing Martial Arts and Autism


Karate Studio Adds Marital Arts Classes Specifically for Students with Autism

Oct 28, 2009

Samurai Karate Studio in South Carolina has added a martial arts curriculum for students with autism. Sensei Chris Feldt was encouraged to add the classes because one of his adult students has a son with autism who took interest in karate. An applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist helped Feldt develop a curriculum that includes exercise and social skills. Feldt explains that martial arts is "about learning self discipline, focus and concentration and I do not believe we should treat our Autistic children any differently. Lastly, we hope that these classes will provide a social setting for these children to meet and have fun with other children."

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Martial Arts Provides Structure for Young Man with Autism

Oct 5, 2009

Thomas Cameron Stuart, a 23 year-old with autism, has earned his brown belt and is on his way to earn his black belt in martial arts. Stuart has had an interest in Japanese culture and found the Tenkobushi Martial Arts studio near his home in California. Stuart's instructor, Stephen McGovern, has developed a martial arts program specifically for Stuart. McGovern says that the practice of Ninjutsu and swordsmanship provides increased social, emotional, and physical skills for Stuart. In addition, Stuart participates in a group class and learns interaction with his neuro-typical peers. Stuart's grandmother has noticed an increased mental focus, ability to concentrate, and social skills in her grandson.

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martial arts

Aug 4, 2011 by Anonymous

Martial Arts Therapy

Mar 4, 2009 by Anonymous

Lisa Chin is the owner/founder of Fireflies in NY City - it is a martial arts therapy center for children with special needs.


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    • Synonyms for martial arts include: karate, tae kwan do
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