Coaching Kids With Learning Disabilities

Picture this: your child or athlete is on the field, ready to make the big play—but instead of charging forward, they hesitate, a little lost, maybe glancing at the coach with that unmistakable look of, “Wait…what was I supposed to do again?”   You know the kiddo has the skill, but his brain does not process the game plays or systems of play.  Coaching kids with Learning Disabilities or Differences is detailed and teased out to bring out the best in your athlete.

Those squiggy lines of play, look like a bowl of spaghetti in their brain.  Know this, they can perform and they can perform in a team.  So, don’t give up on that kid yet! And don’t fret that this will take more effort.  

It is just a turn of the lens and before we know it, those kids are not only coachable you will be amazed by their resiliency and loyalty to the team for your efforts.

For kids with learning disabilities, dyslexia, or processing disorders, sports can feel like a mental maze as much as a physical one.

These kids face challenges beyond the usual drills, needing an extra boost of understanding and creativity from coaches. And here’s the kicker: with just a few adjustments, coaches can turn confusion into confidence, helping these athletes shine in ways they (and maybe even their parents) never thought possible.

How to Coach Children with Learning Differences

To truly understand how learning differences impact young athletes, it’s essential to consider where they are developmentally. As children grow, so do their cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, and physical skills.

For coaches, this means adapting techniques to not only the sport but also to the child’s age and unique learning needs. We’ll break down the article by some specific learning differences, what this may look like so the coach can help identify and effectively coach, or how a parent may be able to collaborate with the coaching staff to help understanding and acceptance. With tailored strategies for each difference, we can equip coaches with the insights to foster an inclusive, supportive environment that empowers every athlete, regardless of their learning style.

What It’s Like for Dyslexic Kids

Imagine trying to read something that constantly seems to shift, letters dancing on the page, words appearing blurred or rearranged in confusing ways. For a child with dyslexia, this is often their daily reality. They may sit with a book in front of them, determined to read like everyone else, but find the letters twisting or fading, making it nearly impossible to keep up.

Picture how frustrating and exhausting this would feel—knowing the words are right there but struggling to hold onto them. Every sentence can feel like an uphill battle, and the constant effort to decipher each word can make reading feel overwhelming, often shaking their confidence and focus.

Examples of What Dyslexics Deal with When Reading

Children with dyslexia face unique challenges when trying to read. Letters might appear to swap places, like “b” and “d” or “p” and “q,” making words difficult to recognize. Words can sometimes seem to “float” or blend into each other, making it hard to distinguish where one ends and the next begins. Lines of text may even appear to shift, making it difficult to keep track of where they are on the page.

For some, words look like they are fading or appear “blurry,” requiring extra effort to clarify each letter. In addition, a child with dyslexia might need to re-read lines frequently, struggling to hold onto the meaning of a sentence or paragraph because each individual word is so challenging to decode. These experiences make reading not only slow and frustrating but also mentally exhausting.

Supporting athletes with dyslexia

1. Difficulty Following Multi-Step Instructions:
   • Dyslexic athletes may struggle with sequences, making it hard to remember and perform tasks that involve multiple steps.
   • For example, a coach’s directive to “skate to the blue line, pivot left, and pass to the winger” might be partially executed or lead to confusion.
2. Challenges with Verbal Instructions:
   • Processing spoken information can be slower for individuals with dyslexia, especially in fast-paced environments.
   • They might require additional time to comprehend verbal cues, leading to delays in response during drills or games.
3. Spatial Awareness and Positioning Issues:
   • Understanding spatial relationships and positioning can be difficult, affecting an athlete’s ability to be in the right place at the right time. 
   • This can result in being out of position during plays or misinterpreting movement patterns.
4. Memory Retention Difficulties:
   • Retaining and recalling specific plays or strategies can be challenging, leading to inconsistencies in performance and the need for repeated instruction.
5. Anxiety and Self-Esteem Concerns:
   • Repeated misunderstandings or mistakes can lead to frustration, anxiety, and decreased self-confidence, further impacting performance and willingness to participate.

Strategies for Coaching Dyslexic Athletes:

• Use Visual Aids: Incorporate diagrams, videos, or live demonstrations to complement verbal instructions, catering to visual learning preferences.
  • Don’t overdo this…it must be simplified.  Some kids may provide feedback (and feel free to ask the kiddo or parent) about what works best with the athlete.
  • Have the other kids perform the skill so the athlete can see how it is done rather than just a whiteboard.  Verbal and in real-time instruction may be best.
  • Simplify and Segment Instructions: Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps, ensuring each is understood before proceeding.
  • Provide Video or Verbal Summaries: Offer written outlines of plays or drills for athletes to review at their own pace.
  • Encourage Questions and Clarification: Create an environment where athletes feel comfortable seeking clarification without judgment.
  • Offer Positive Reinforcement:  Acknowledge efforts and improvements to build confidence and motivation.

The best person to ask is the kid or the parent.  Recognize this may make you and them feel a little vulnerable, but will pay off in the end.

Youth Sports and Auditory and Sensory Processing Disorders

Athletes with processing disorders, such as auditory processing disorder (APD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), and visual processing disorders often encounter distinct challenges in youth sports environments. These challenges can manifest in various ways:

1. Difficulty Interpreting Verbal Instructions: Children with APD may struggle to process spoken language, especially in noisy environments like sports fields or arenas. This can lead to misunderstandings of coaching directives or game strategies.Bourgase
2. Sensory Overload: Athletes with SPD might be hypersensitive to sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or physical contact. This hypersensitivity can result in discomfort, distraction, or avoidance behaviors during practices and games.Verywell Mind
3. Delayed Response Times: Processing disorders can cause delays in interpreting and responding to information, affecting an athlete’s ability to react swiftly during dynamic play situations.
4. Coordination and Motor Skill Challenges: Some processing disorders impact motor planning and coordination, making it difficult for athletes to execute complex movements or maintain balance.Verywell Health
5. Social Interaction Difficulties: Processing disorders can affect social cues interpretation, leading to challenges in teamwork, communication with peers, and understanding group dynamics.

Specifically, what do Visual Processing Disorders look like?

Athletes with visual processing disorders may experience a range of symptoms that affect their performance in sports, especially in activities that require fast responses, spatial awareness, or following moving objects. Here are some common symptoms they might display:

1. Difficulty Tracking Moving Objects: They may struggle to keep up with fast-moving balls, pucks, or players, often reacting a step behind. This can impact their ability to catch, hit, or dodge objects, as they may not accurately gauge where the object is in space.
2. Poor Depth Perception: Estimating distances accurately can be challenging, leading to issues with positioning themselves on the field or judging how far away an opponent or teammate is. This can also make it difficult for them to judge where and when to make a play.
3. Delayed Reaction Time: Processing visual information more slowly means they may respond slower than their peers to changes in play, such as an opponent suddenly changing direction or a quick pass. This delay can impact their ability to perform effectively in fast-paced sports environments.
4. Spatial Awareness Issues: Athletes with visual processing disorders might have trouble understanding their position relative to others, often seeming out of place or “wandering” on the field. They might also struggle with formations and remembering where they need to be during specific plays.
5. Struggles with Coordination: Visual processing disorders can affect motor planning, leading to issues with hand-eye or foot-eye coordination. For instance, they may misjudge their timing when trying to connect with the ball or puck or execute a pass.
6. Confusion with Complex Plays or Movement Patterns: Visual processing issues can make it hard to follow intricate plays or drills that require understanding sequences and spatial movement. This can result in them looking lost during complex game situations.
7. Sensitivity to Light and Glare: Bright lights or reflections can be overwhelming, particularly in outdoor sports or well-lit indoor settings. Athletes may appear to squint or be distracted by their surroundings, impacting their ability to stay focused on the game.
8. Increased Fatigue and Frustration: Constantly trying to interpret visual information can be exhausting. These athletes might tire more quickly, become frustrated, or lose confidence when struggling to keep up with peers due to processing challenges.

Support Strategies for Coaches:

• Use Visual and Physical Cues: Offer consistent visual markers on the field or rink, such as cones or colored lines, to help with spatial orientation.
• Encourage Verbal Communication: Teammates calling out their location can assist the athlete in understanding positioning without relying solely on visual cues.
• Simplify Plays: Avoid complex formations and focus on simple, predictable routines to help them gain confidence and mastery.
• Allow Extra Processing Time: Giving the athlete a moment to orient themselves after receiving a play or drill instruction can improve their performance and confidence.

Strategies for Coaches Overall:

• Provide Clear, Multimodal Instructions: To convey information effectively, use a combination of verbal explanations, visual aids, and physical demonstrations.  This can not be overemphasized – demonstrate, real-time and provide immediate feedback to the athlete.  They need to weave the instruction, practice, and feedback together.
• Create a Structured Environment: Establish consistent routines and clear expectations to help athletes anticipate and prepare for activities.
• Implement Sensory-Friendly Practices: Be mindful of sensory triggers and, when possible, modify the environment to reduce overwhelming stimuli.
• Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where athletes feel comfortable discussing their needs and challenges.
• Collaborate with Parents and Specialists: Work closely with the athlete’s support network to understand their specific processing challenges and effective coping strategies.

By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, coaches can create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that empowers athletes with processing disorders to succeed and enjoy their sports experiences.

Sports for Children with Learning Disabilities

Engaging children with learning disabilities in sports can significantly enhance their physical health, social skills, and self-esteem. Certain sports are particularly well-suited to accommodate and support these children, offering structured environments and opportunities for individual growth.

Here are some sports to start with, but we believe any child with the right intervention can be supported in the sport of their choice.

1. Swimming: Provides a structured environment with clear, repetitive movements, aiding focus and coordination. The individual nature of the sport allows children to progress at their own pace.
2. Martial Arts: Emphasizes discipline, self-control, and respect, which can help children with learning disabilities develop focus and confidence. The step-by-step progression in martial arts aligns well with their learning needs.
3. Gymnastics: Activities requiring close attention to body movements, such as gymnastics, may help kids with ADHD and learning disabilities improve their focus.
4. Horseback Riding: Teaches kids to mirror their horse’s behavior changes, promoting empathy and responsibility.
5. Track and Cross Country: Teaches discipline and pacing, allowing children to set personal goals and achieve them through consistent effort.
6. Archery: Teaches responsibility and intense focus, helping children develop concentration and patience.
7. Baseball: Teaches patience and sportsmanship, offering a team environment where children can learn to work with others and develop social skills.

In the end, any sport can be a great fit for a child with learning differences, as long as they’re given the right support.

With real-time demonstrations and patient guidance, these athletes can learn just as effectively—sometimes even more powerfully—through hands-on, visual cues rather than traditional verbal instructions.

By embracing their unique learning styles, coaches can unlock each child’s potential, showing them that they’re just as capable as any other player. With understanding and creativity, every child can find joy and success in sports, building confidence that will carry over into all areas of their live:

References:

NeuroLaunch.com. (2024, October 17). Sensory processing disorder in teens: Challenges and support. Retrieved from https://www.neurolaunch.com

Johnny’s Kidz. (2024, May 2). Physical, cognitive, emotional stages & coaching impact. Retrieved from https://www.johnnyskidz.com

Psychiatric Times. (2022, May 31). On thin ice: Competitive sports & youth mental health. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatrictimes.com

Mindful Performance Training. (2021, June 29). Eight strategies for coaches to train the mental game. Sport Coach America. Retrieved from https://www.sportcoachamerica.com

Oxford Academic. (2021, June 23). Barriers and facilitators to physical education, sport, and physical activity participation. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordacademic.com