Hi James,

Its  a really difficult one, i have first hand experience with a player just like yours for the last 8yrs

He attends every training session for the last 8yrs. 

one season he played most games others not so much, a naturally 2 footed player also.

this season his last season, trained every week played 1 game, the very last one.

Why is it difficult?  

This lads my son,  it doesnt matter how much i build him up, how much his peers encourage him.

For him with his Autism, it can effect his self esteem, his  confidence and to be able to believe in himself.

I went through times of saying to him, "you need to play", 

but that put even more pressure on him because in his thought process, he wasnt good enough, what if he made a mistake, what if he let his teammates down.

these are the things that crossed his mind continuosly.

Have you chatted to his parents about game day, does he have the choice of wether he plays or not (in his mind)

More importantly have you asked the player how he feels on game day.

weigh up the pros and cons with him.

"what happens if he shoots and misses" (not alot)

"what happens if he gets tackled"  (someone else on the team will get the ball)

how do these make him feel, (a bit sad, but his teammates arent worried as they do these things also)

how does he feel when he scores ( fantastic)

how does he feel when he gets an assist (fantastic)

Its all about dumbing down the pressure and importance of situations

BUT its a really long road where you may never reach the end, try to celebrate the wins and dont dwell on the negatives

all the best

lee

Hi James,

Its  a really difficult one, i have first hand experience with a player just like yours for the last 8yrs

He attends every training session for the last 8yrs. 

one season he played most games others not so much, a naturally 2 footed player also.

this season his last season, trained every week played 1 game, the very last one.

Why is it difficult?  

This lads my son,  it doesnt matter how much i build him up, how much his peers encourage him.

For him with his Autism, it can effect his self esteem, his  confidence and to be able to believe in himself.

I went through times of saying to him, "you need to play", 

but that put even more pressure on him because in his thought process, he wasnt good enough, what if he made a mistake, what if he let his teammates down.

these are the things that crossed his mind continuosly.

Have you chatted to his parents about game day, does he have the choice of wether he plays or not (in his mind)

More importantly have you asked the player how he feels on game day.

weigh up the pros and cons with him.

"what happens if he shoots and misses" (not alot)

"what happens if he gets tackled"  (someone else on the team will get the ball)

how do these make him feel, (a bit sad, but his teammates arent worried as they do these things also)

how does he feel when he scores ( fantastic)

how does he feel when he gets an assist (fantastic)

Its all about dumbing down the pressure and importance of situations

BUT its a really long road where you may never reach the end, try to celebrate the wins and dont dwell on the negatives

all the best

lee