Credit: FAL

Last month, the Fondation Autisme Luxembourg (FAL) launched its new “AutiSport” project to allow people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to regularly play sports.

The foundation introduced this new sporting activity in the framework of its mission to promote and defend the rights of people with ASD, as well as supporting their families. The benefits of sport are numerous. They contribute to physical wellbeing, benefit sensorimotor functions and promote social interactions. AutiSport targets people of all ages with ASD and Asperger's syndrome (AS).

AutiSport offers a range of structured sports activities adapted to the specific needs, skills and desires of each participant. The activity provides participants the opportunity to have fun, play sports regularly, meet new people and learn new skills through a wide variety of sports. Since people with autism find it difficult to socialise, it is often difficult for them to join a sports club, communicate with others and establish a proper rapport with the outside world. FAL thus considers it important to allow them to practise sports which are specifically adapted to their needs.

As Catherine Fouss, the coordinator of this project, explained, the motto of sports lessons is “Multisport”: “We have decided not to limit ourselves to just one sport, but rather to regularly try new sports, so that everyone finds their [place]".

Playing ball games, running along an obstacle course, doing exercises that promote balance and dexterity are examples of some of the activities that are offered. The sessions are adapted to the athletic abilities of the participants. Ms Fouss added: “It is important that participants feel neither pressure nor fear”.

In order to be able to meet the individual wishes of the participants, the various sessions for people with AS are planned in collaboration with them. In this way, the participants can decide for themselves how the lesson will be structured and know in advance what to expect. 

Mustapha Haddar, the sports coordinator of the project, highlighted the objective of the project: “It is important to remember that throughout the sports session, the emphasis should be on fun. I also think that with AutiSport, we can promote the autonomy of people with ASD. I hope that the project will continue to develop in the future and that it will accompany people throughout the year to give them the greatest possible pleasure".

Sports lessons take place every Monday, except during school holidays, in the Bridel Sports Hall (9 Rue François-Christian Gerden, L-8132 Bridel). Participants are divided into three different age groups and no prior sporting experience is required. The foundation's educators, in charge of AutiSport, are responsible for setting up and organising the courses with the support of students, interns or volunteers.

For many parents, this project represents the first opportunity to offer their child an adapted sport. One parent commented: “Before AutiSport, our son could never join a sports club. I am convinced that it is very important for him to be able to play sports without being evaluated for his performance. At AutiSport, he is supported by people who really understand autism and I see this as a great opportunity for him".

Adult participants with AS also enjoyed the first AutiSport lessons, with one participant, Joel, stating: “In these lessons you get to know people who experience the same concerns in everyday life. Problems that neurotypical people (people without autism) may not understand, for example that the light suddenly becomes too bright. This way we can together improve our social and motor skills, which we may not have been aware of until now”.

Free places remain for all three age groups. Sanitary measures are implemented to ensure the smooth running of activities.

For more information or to register, send an email to loisirs@fal.lu.