Special Olympics truly lives up to it's name. It is an incredibly special experience. Many children on the Autism Spectrum find it hard to participate in organized sports. I know for our daughter finding anything she could participate in was difficult. I felt so bad for her since her brother and sister were coming home with medals and trophies. She would say she would want to play like the other kids, but then could never do it. She liked basketball, but was so afraid of the buzzer going off that it would paralyze her. Some teams could be very competitive and the parents were often worse then the kids.
I called our local special recreation association group, NISRA (Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association). I spoke with the women in charge of Special Olympics. We discussed different sports and decided on Rhythmic Gymnastics. It was an individual sport. We felt for her first experience an individual sport may be best. She trained for 8 months and competed in the regional competition. The nice thing about Special Olympics is everyone is a winner. The competition is done based on ability and no one ever feels bad about their performance. Upon winning a medal she qualified to go to State in two months for the Summer Games.
Our first experience at the Illinois State Special Olympics Summer Games was the most memorable experience. From the minute we arrived, we were greeted and welcomed as family. It was such a well organized event and the love from volunteers was overwhelming. I always say "You cannot attend a Special Olympics event without being happy". Watching how happy and proud the athletes and their families are was contagious. The Opening Ceremonies was like no other. In Illinois the law enforcement community fund raise for Special Olympics all year long. For the last few years that we have attended they have raised over 2 million dollars each year. They send representatives from the different police departments to take part in the event. Some police officers present medals to the athletes at the medal ceremonies. They turn down the lights and the officers participate in the torch run. That was an amazing sight which just leaves you standing with so much pride. They then pass the torch to different athletes who then light the flame to open the games. My daughter's first year NISRA allowed her to help carry their banner onto the field. We were so proud! Every time she attends the games, she grows more and more. She travels down on the bus with the other athletes and her Rhythmic Gymnastics team. She stays with the team at the dorm and she would have it no other way. SHE LOVES IT!
We stay at a nearby hotel, which gives our family a nice respite. We get to do things we may not be able to do when she is with us (like eat out, or just go bumming around). The really cool thing about staying at the hotel for Special Olympics is that almost if not everyone was there for Special Olympics. It was the one place/time where you can be that no one will judge you. No one cares if your child is standing in the lobby stimming, screaming, or making squawking noises. We were on the elevator with a lady and her son. When the elevator doors closed the boy began to panic. He began fight and flight. He wanted out and to run away. The mother kept apologizing. I told her there was no reason to apologize we have all been there. She looked at me and said "Autism"? I said "Yes", the doors opened and they left. We all know that feeling where you cannot control your child and only want to keep them safe. Most times people don't understand and think you're a bad parent and your child is a brat.
I'd like to share another story. Anyone who knows me personally knows I have lots of stories. They also know they are going to hear it whether or not they want to. When my daughter was about 2 years old, before we had a diagnosis, my friend and I decided to take the train into the city with the kids. Well, here's where that vestibular sense came into play. That vestibular sense I didn't know she had. I came to find out that you don't take a child who hates movement on a speeding train. This was not a good idea. Then I threw in a confined space and a hyperactive sister, well that was really not a good idea. After repeating over and over (ADHD you understand) "Stop bothering your sister". "Back off of your sister". "Your upsetting your sister please stop". My daughter with ADHD was about four at the time and she was undiagnosed also. Not that I didn't inquire, another story. Anyway the little one with ASD had enough and took her cup and hit her sister on top of the head with it. With that a lady across the aisle decided it was okay to start disciplining my 2 year old. Telling her that she shouldn't be hitting her sister in the head. Besides being exhausted and stressed already from trying to keep one child calm and the other happy. I just looked at my friend and said in a loud voice "It is amazing that people think they have a right to comment on something they know nothing about". My blood pressure was through the roof and that was the last train ride we took for about 8 years.
Special Olympics is really worth looking into. I am sure you can find something your child will be able to participate in. About 24 medals later, we couldn't imagine not being involved with Special Olympics.
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