One of the biggest problems for people with disabilities, particularly those with a learning disability like autism is the limited opportunity for social inclusion. People don't always appreciate how capable they are, and despite having autism I've always known my son was very clever. Last night he proved it.
I decided that at the age of eighteen my son ought to be "out there", doing things his peers might, so last night I took him along to the local badminton club.
I was a bit apprehensive because there are clubs and there are "clubs" - you know, those cliquey places where the members are seriously competitive and never seem to enjoy themselves unless they are winning.
My son doesn't understand competition. Neither does he understand the rules of badminton, i.e. how to score, which side of the court to stand or when. All he knows is when playing badminton he stands one side of the net, usually more towards the right hand side; his opponent stands opposite and they take turns to hit the shuttlecock to each other.
This doesn't usually require a lot of movement - at least on his behalf because he has very good eye/hand co-ordination and long arms, so last night's experience was totally new to him.
It started off well enough. The club was more of a social enterprise and everyone seemed very friendly and accepting. I explained to anyone who would listen about his autism, and that he didn't really speak. I didn't want them to think he was being rude if he ignored their attempts at conversation.
There were five courts, four players on each and several others waiting in the wings ready to play when the opportunity arose. We got on court almost immediately and our first partners, a male and a female just knocked up with us. This was fine, as apart from there being four players instead of two; it was what Jodi was used to.
The second "match" was a bit more eventful. Again a male and female partnered us, but these were obviously a bit more serious and wanted to play a proper game.
I explained to Jodi's partner that whilst he could hit the shuttlecock, he didn't understand the rules or that the idea was to win. Since I didn't feel she had any chance of being on the winning side I asked if she would like me to play with my son.
She assured me it was fine, and we'd just play and see how things turned out.
It started off well but then Jodi got really confused because you have to keep swapping sides when you serve. This means of course your partner also has to swap.
The first few serves were okay although he did get hit in the face with a speeding shuttlecock but shortly afterwards he lost it. No sooner had he walked across to where his partner had told him to stand than he had to move back again. When she gently tried to guide him to where he needed to stand, he lashed out and hit her on the arm.
He's a big lad and very strong. I felt mortified. I rushed around the net to him apologising profusely to his partner as I went just in time to stop him from tipping the whole net over.
He was not impressed and I had visions of us being banished before we'd ever really got started. However, he soon calmed down and stroked his partner's arm saying "Sorry".
She was just wonderful and despite the huge red handprint on her arm kept reassuring me it was alright. It appears she worked in the "community", whatever that means. I just know I was extremely grateful for her understanding.
After that we played three more matches but no-one asked or expected Jodi to swap sides so I guess word must have got round.
I did suggest to him at one stage that he should "move his feet" and he responded immediately with a shoe shuffle the like of which the penguin in Happy Feet would have been proud. It wasn't quite what I'd had in mind though.
Still, everyone was very impressed with Jodi and whilst he didn't physically move around the court very much, he rarely ever missed a shot. He didn't even appear to be watching the game either. He'd just raise his racquet and swing.
Often he casually had one hand on his hip as if to say "Why am I waiting?" or his finger in his right ear to shut out the noise echoing around the high ceiling sports hall, which did make things a bit awkward since he is right handed. Still it didn't appear to affect his ability to connect to the flying plastic missile.
One player suggested I get some earplugs for him to wear to shut out the noise and I may just do that when we go next week. Yes, we have been invited to go again!
So now I suppose you want to know why I think my son was very clever last night, don't you? Well, this morning I can hardly move. All that running around and swapping sides has taken it's toll and my body aches in places I didn't even know I had muscles.
Jodi, however, is as fresh as a daisy - Guess who's the intelligent one?
Related Articles
Natural Cellular Defense: Your First Line of Defense Against “Body Burdenâ€
By: Paula Rothstein | 21/01/2006 | Health
DETOXIFICATION is necessary for you to regain your health and to overcome or prevent disease. However this is only half the solution. REBUILDING a weakened system is the other half, it requires the correct nutrients, minerals, foods and supplements.
Learn and Understand the Basic Autism Symptoms
By: Groshan Fabiola | 06/10/2006 | Health
Autism is a condition that affects perception, attention, interaction with others, thought, and many other vital abilities. Unfortunately, because we know so little about how the brain
Diagnosing Autism
By: Groshan Fabiola | 28/01/2007 | Health
Autism is usually diagnosed around the age of three when an abnormal development of the child is noticed. An early diagnose is essential for the future medical care as well as for the outcome of the parents.
Causes and Diagnosis of Autism
By: Groshan Fabiola | 07/03/2007 | Health
Autism is the most characteristic condition of the autistic spectrum disorders and is defined by impaired social interaction, obsessive and narrow interests, repetitive actions and difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication.
Can Adults Be Diagnosed With Autism Later In Life?
By: Rachel Evans | 07/04/2007 | Health
Autism has been around for many years as specific condition but hasn't always well understood by the medical community and for some people their condition has been misdiagnosed. Though the classic form of autism is something that is often quite obvious in a child, there are high functioning autism types...
Autism Cured? Whitney's Story
By: Cheri Florance, Ph.D. | 07/05/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
The mother in me struggled against the doctor in me when considering -whether to share my family’s traumatic experience with the world or let it be a closed chapter. This was particularly so as the topic was unpleasant to Whitney. The mother wanted to protect my child and honor his wishes but what of the other mothers who were enduring this challenge?
Good News - Meet the Amazing Autistic Man Known as The Living Camera
By: Chris Case | 23/07/2007 | Motivational
This is a story that shows the triumphant quality of the human spirit. It also demonstrates how beauty can come from adversity.
The Role of Visual Memory in Communication
By: Cheri Florance, PhD | 02/11/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
Many children diagnosed with Autism, Asperger's Disorder or PDD-NOS may have symptoms in language processing and communication. Training visual memory in one component of moving these children from visual to verbal communication.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there social groups that my adult son can join ...
By: derrick | 22-07-2008
are there social groups that my adult son can join? He is high functioning mentarlly retarded, with autistic symtoms.
Seminars for nurses
By: Kay Provance | 22-07-2008
I am currently a certified diabetic educator. I see the need for a professional to help people make the necessary lifestyle changes involved with treating autism. Is there currently a seminar available for nurses?
Treatment options
By: mindy | 17-07-2008
My 4 year old son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.His behavior gets out of control quit a bit. Is there any kind of treatments to help calm him down? He also was diagnosed with adhd which makes him bounce off the walls. The doctor gave me clonidine, but it puts him to sleep most of the time and told me there is nothing else they can do except do these short term treatment sesions and that might help. Is there other things that might help clear his mind so he can be like other little kids?
Spouses assets
By: rich | 16-07-2008
my wife has been turned down for her claim for disability payments.she was told that her husband had assets so she could not draw.i thought that a disability claim was only related to the person making the claim?
Base Hospital
By: grapoo | 11-07-2008
I was sent to a Base Hospital in/near Manila, Philippinesmade up of large tents, my memory says July/August 1945.Can not remember its name--Can anyone remember?
any doctors in putnam/dutchess county that treat adults with Cerepral palsy ?
By: vp | 07-07-2008
Are there any NY state doctors dutchess , putnam county who specialize in treating of adults with Cerebral Palsy
Q&A Powered by:
More from Jean Shaw
Working For Yourself - Why You Should Climb The Mountain And Follow Your Dream
By: Jean Shaw | 03/07/2008 | Motivational
The prospect of being your own boss may seem daunting. It's a huge mountain to climb, but it's nothing compared to the mountains the children at my son's school are climbing. The difference is, unlike them, YOU have a choice!
FDA Says Dental Fillings Are Toxic - Now Will You Believe Me?
By: Jean Shaw | 20/06/2008 | Health
The FDA, the world's major health regulator announced on 5th June 2008, something thousands of us have known for years, - dental amalgam fillings are toxic.
Why Overweight, Unfit Menopausal Women Should Never Run For Trains
By: Jean Shaw | 17/06/2008 | Health
Once women get beyond fifty and start going through the menopause they are more susceptible to heart disease. It's all to do with the hormonal changes, and apparently, new research has revealed in 2001, coronary heart disease (CHD) killed four times as many women in UK as breast cancer.
Food Poisoning - Why You Need Probiotic Bacteria
By: Jean Shaw | 17/06/2008 | Health
Food poisoning affects about 750,000 people in UK each year and kills approximately 400. In the summer the cases of food poisoning double, most likely because of the amount of salads and barbecues.
Barbecues, Use By Dates and Bacteria - What You Should Know
By: Jean Shaw | 16/06/2008 | Health
Apparently the average family in UK throws away one third of everything they buy,and 40% of that is fresh food.
Antibacterial v Probiotic - What You Should Know About Cleanliness
By: Jean Shaw | 13/06/2008 | Supplements and Vitamins
We are always being advised about the importance of washing our hands, but are antibacterial products really the answer to our problems?
Probiotics, Bacteria, And Why I Loiter Outside Toilets
By: Jean Shaw | 07/06/2008 | Health
I seem to spend half my life loitering outside toilets. No, I am not some sort of pervert, but I have an autistic son who has a penchant for cleanliness
Trapped By Time - Try Blogging Your Way To Freedom
By: Jean Shaw | 18/04/2008 | Motivational
If anyone can use a computer and can type e-mails then blogging opens a whole new world. It's easy to learn and anyone can do it regardless of age.
Health 
