Sports and hobbies
There are many possibilities for enjoying hobbies and sporting activities. The trick is in finding where they are and whether they are suitable for you.
Think about what you like to do or what you are good at. Ask other young people what they do on weekends.
Look at community noticeboards or in the newspaper. They often advertise activities like sports registrations, drama classes, dancing groups, exercise classes etc.
Photography is very popular, there's a lot of opportunity to study and socialise with photograpy or to enjoy it alone.
Some young people with autism will be able to organise sporting activities and hobbies on their own. Others may need some support.
Here are some examples of leisure activities which are aimed specifically at people with a disability.
You can also click on Our Stories on the right hand side of the page or click here to read personal stories about sports and hobbies.
Ability Links NSW
Ability Links is a NSW state government service which helps people with disabilities access supports, services and activities within the community. .
You can find your local Ability Links contact on the website, and call to make an appointment.
Your Ability Linker should be able to help you explore lesiure and hobby and sport options locally.
Accessible Arts
Accessible Arts is the peak body for the arts and disability here in NSW.
People with a disability can take part in art, drama, music, dance and multimedia activities as well as also attending galleries and museums and as audience members.
The What’s On section gives details of what is available.
Nican
Nican is an organisation which promotes inclusive recreation for all Australians of all abilities.
The Nican website has a large directory of recreation organisations right across Australia.
Special Olympics
Young people with ASD who also have an intellectual disability can participate in the Special Olympics.
They are able to learn, practise and compete in a wide variety of sports including swimming, basketball, athletics, gymnastics and cricket.
Special Olympics phone: 1800 225 762
Recreation programs
Some disability support agencies run their own leisure and recreation programs.
As an example, have a look at The House With No Steps adult recreation webpage here.
Some ideas for sports and hobbies
Dance Chance
This is a dance group for people of all ages which meets on Saturdays in Chatswood in Sydney.
Beyond The Square
Riverside Theatre’s in Sydney’s Parramatta is a dedicated performing arts program for people with disability.
There are opportunities to perform, to attend workshops and show your artworks.
Geocaching
Geochaching is a world wide scavenger hunt where people go searching for boxes filled with goodies. It is fund to play with friends and the whole family.
Gigbuddies
Gigbuddies is a project that pairs up people with and without learning disabilities to be friends and to go to events together.
If you live outside of NSW, contact your state or territory autism association for local sports and hobbies options.
Sports and hobbies
On the Young people Sports and hobbies page we have listed websites and organisations which can help your daughter or son find leisure activities that they can enjoy.
You’ll also find ideas from the young people and families that have shared their stories on the Our stories page here.
