Hi James, 

some great lived experience advice below which relay to a complex situation. The fact you are looking for positive advice speaks volumes;

one of the issues is understanding the specific triggers as these can differ - although noise, large spaces, stress are all common ones.

I am sure you have, but speaking to parents around these to help manage the environment is key, neurotypical peers mates/ players understanding these is also helpful, as with parents/coaches, but as mentioned below, always difficult in the throes of a match.

not pressuring by loading lots of praise, but by issuing clear and succinct messages is also sometimes very helpful. 

As an example, and not suggesting this would work for every individual but a club I know worked with parents of the players side to ‘try’ to personalise any praise, and noise distraction when the player was on the ball, tough to do! This however had some positive returns for parents, player & team. Great inclusion also!

The fact he shines in training is a plus, and shows the positive environment you have set. It is always difficult when you are wanting the player to enjoy without stress, but by understanding the player individually as much as possible will also help you manage expectations all round.

keep up the great work James, & best of luck..

Darren 

Hi James, 

some great lived experience advice below which relay to a complex situation. The fact you are looking for positive advice speaks volumes;

one of the issues is understanding the specific triggers as these can differ - although noise, large spaces, stress are all common ones.

I am sure you have, but speaking to parents around these to help manage the environment is key, neurotypical peers mates/ players understanding these is also helpful, as with parents/coaches, but as mentioned below, always difficult in the throes of a match.

not pressuring by loading lots of praise, but by issuing clear and succinct messages is also sometimes very helpful. 

As an example, and not suggesting this would work for every individual but a club I know worked with parents of the players side to ‘try’ to personalise any praise, and noise distraction when the player was on the ball, tough to do! This however had some positive returns for parents, player & team. Great inclusion also!

The fact he shines in training is a plus, and shows the positive environment you have set. It is always difficult when you are wanting the player to enjoy without stress, but by understanding the player individually as much as possible will also help you manage expectations all round.

keep up the great work James, & best of luck..

Darren