L et’s play
CRICKET
The iconic Aussie past-time is becoming increasing accessible for everyone.
O
ne of Australia’s muchloved summer sports is gaining a huge traction with special needs children as understanding grows for the need to activate inclusive programs. Western Australia is certainly on the front foot with its offering for people with autism. Autism WA Director of Therapy and Clinical Services, Tasha Alach, says its Autism in Cricket Program is providing great opportunities that are being embraced by hundreds of children. That situation wasn’t so as little as a year ago before the program was launched. “Often the parents were worried that if they did get involved, their child would not be accepted into the cricket community and would be excluded from their peers, so they did not want to risk trying,” Tasha explains. “Simultaneously, we had cricket clubs contacting us to know how to support children with autism to be a part of their club. There was also a lack of understanding of why a certain behaviour was happening and how they could help teach them the skills required for cricket in a way that resonated with them in comparison to children with a physical disability. “We also had a number of families who had taken the step to enrol their child in their local club, and because of the stigma that is still present in our community, these children and their families were excluded. This resulted
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in these families leaving their clubs devastated and even more isolated from their community.” As a result, Autism WA collaborated with clubs to establish a program to better break down barriers. In its first season 12 months ago, 45 clubs, 316 people and 19 schools signed up and it is hoped the program will be expanded into other states and other sports soon. “Being part of a club is really special – feeling part of something and having a chance to play your part in your club’s success. Contributions to the success of a club come in many different forms – batting, bowling, fielding, scoring, helping out at training and organising the equipment – just to name a few,” Tasha says. “Each role is like a link in a chain – every link is important! This initiative is designed to give every boy and girl a chance to make a contribution, to experience what it means to be
a club member.” Tasha says that cricket is the perfect sport for children and adults with autism, as many of the skills required to play the game match the strengths of autistic people. “It has routine, is predictable, is a team sport and the club culture of cricket has a good value base for creating change,” she explains. “The Autism Association is passionate about creating inclusion for people with autism and we searched for a grant to launch our program with the aim of supporting more autistic children to get off the side-lines and able to participate in their local community cricket clubs.” The program was funded initially with a state government grant and has since received support from Margie Oldfield, president of the Wembley Cricket Club. “She was a huge driving force for the program. Margie helped us to create our connections with the WA Cricket Community and grow the program
