The Benefits of an Inclusive Gymnastics Program for Children of All Abilities

The benefits of gymnastics on a child’s development are well-documented. Many parents know that gymnastics improves flexibility, strength, coordination, and self-confidence. This is why so many occupational therapists recommend sports classes, particularly gymnastics, to supplement OT sessions and accomplish a patient’s goals more quickly. However, due to unique behavioral and social-emotional challenges experienced by many children with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences, participation in group activities such as gymnastics may be difficult or even inaccessible. Therefore, inclusive programming is necessary to ensure the benefits of gymnastics can be enjoyed by all.‍

‍What makes a Gymnastics Program Inclusive?

As “inclusive” becomes more of a marketing buzzword than a commitment to children and families, it’s easy for programs to label their classes as “inclusive” without making the necessary changes to accommodate different abilities and neurotypes. This can result in coaches facing behaviors and limitations they’re not equipped to handle, as well as frustrated children and parents who are not receiving the quality of instruction that was advertised to them. However, all programs can take meaningful steps to becoming more inclusive, whether or not they’re marketed as such.

1. Consulting with professionals across different fields when creating lesson plans

Gymnastics instructors are well-versed in the technical elements of both gymnastics and child development. However, this knowledge is often inadequate when it comes to creating specialized programming to include children with disabilities. Consulting with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and behavior therapists can help bridge this gap and ensure an enriching program supported by the latest research.

2. Getting to know the kids in your program

Many gymnastics classes are conducted with the assumption that all kids are neurotypical or have no physical limitations. By communicating with parents prior to the program dates, instructors can get a sense of each student’s needs and implement appropriate accommodations. Parents are a critical resource here, as there is no one-size-fits-all method to creating an inclusive program. Prior to the start date, instructors and program directors can meet with parents to discuss how learning challenges and challenging behaviors are managed at school and in the home. The instructor can then incorporate these familiar strategies in class to cultivate a successful learning environment for the child.

3. Maintaining high instructor to child ratios

Mainstream gymnastics classes may have up to 8 children with one instructor. In these cases, what happens if a child is having a meltdown and requires the instructor’s full attention? What if a child (or multiple children) is prone to leaving the group? Small class sizes coupled with ample support staff is key in creating an inclusive program while providing individualized instruction that meets each child’s particular needs and ensuring the safety of all participants.

My child is neurotypical and able-bodied. Why should they attend an inclusive program?

Some parents of neurotypical children may fear an inclusive program will somehow come at the expense of the quality of instruction for their child, but in fact the opposite is true when the program incorporates practices like the ones above to accommodate all students. It’s easy to see how all gymnasts benefit from small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a curriculum developed with professionals across different fields, but there are even more reasons to enroll a neurotypical child in an inclusive program.

1. They promote diversity and acceptance

Neurotypical, able-bodied kids will be exposed to children who may not look, act, or learn like they do in an inclusive gymnastics class. Children learn to appreciate and accept these differences, fostering empathy and understanding. This allows children to develop friendships across abilities and neurotypes, creating a more inclusive world as a whole.

2. They allow the gymnast to set their own goals and move at their own pace

Many rec programs are designed with the ultimate goal of eventually joining the competitive team. While this is a wonderful option for gymnasts and families who wish to pursue it, not everyone does and that’s okay too! An inclusive program is designed to fit the needs and goals of each child in a low-pressure environment, whether that is joining a competitive team one day, building upper body/core strength, or simply having fun in a group setting while trying something new. 

3. It shows the need for these types of programs

By joining an inclusive program, you are communicating with your dollar that these programs are beneficial to all children, thus increasing the demand for these programs in other facilities. If more families request inclusive programming, it could one day become the standard!

‍PlayWell Brooklyn is an inclusive playspace located in the Gowanus neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. We are open everyday of the week and offer open-play, classes, private events, and more. Please check out our schedule and offerings to learn more.