Bowling and Autism: Making it Work

Bowling and autism?!

Bowling takes coordination, arm strength and patience, involves a good deal of loud noise, and takes place in a location where strong smells and florescent lights are the norm.  Sounds like the last sport a person would autism would take up.

Yet over and over again I've seen kids and teens with autism thrive in bowling allies.  I'm not sure what it is about the sport...  maybe it's the repetition (get up, bowl, sit down); perhaps its the fact that there's no need for non-verbal communication among team members.  Or maybe it's just fun!  Whatever the reason, bowling is well worth exploring with your child on the autism spectrum.

Here in New England, we do have ordinary ten pin bowling.  But we also have another sport we like even better: candlepin bowling.  What's so great about candlepin?  The balls are light and can be held in the palm of the hand.  You get three chances to bowl as opposed to the usual two.  And the "dead wood" (fallen pins) become a part of the game.  It's like a cross between ten-pin bowling and bumper pool!

If you do decide to go bowling here are a few tips to bear in mind:

• Spend a little time ahead of time watching bowling on YouTube or TV, so your child knows just what to expect.  If you can, write a social story that includes the details: changing shoes, being assigned a lane, choosing a ball, etc.
• Reserve a lane in advance, so that you don't arrive and then experience waiting-room melt downs.  Ask, too, if stocking feet or other shoes are ok for bowling, just in case your child rebels against bowling shoes.
• Ask for bumpers - those rubberized strips of metal that keep balls moving down the lane.  Gutter balls are tough enough for typical bowlers, but may be even more frustrating for kids with autism.
• Bring a snack.  There's a good chance that the food available at the alley will NOT be your child's favorite (and it most certainly won't be gluten free!).
• Have a plan B in mind.  If you your child really doesn't take to the sport, that's okay - but it's best to come prepared with another possibility "just in case."
• If siblings or other kids come along, be sure there's a second adult available to manage if your child with autism needs extra support.
• Keep it light.  If your child is having a good experience, it really doesn't matter if his form is right or his score is high.  If two-handed bowling works better for her, go for it!  It's all about getting out and having fun; winning can come later (or it may never be a concern).