Research into the physical activity needs of children and young people with additional needs in Surrey shows an appetite for more opportunities to get moving, but fear of other people’s views and lack of awareness from providers can block participation.
Two surveys conducted by Active Surrey show that those who need the most support are often poorly served when it comes to moving more.
351 parents of disabled children - and young disabled people themselves - completed a family survey looking at the barriers they face in taking part in sport and physical activity. Over half of the children were on the autistic spectrum, while more than three in ten had either Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or speech, language and communication needs
A further 122 professionals working with disabled youngsters in schools, clubs and charities day-to-day were polled around the same subject. Two thirds worked in mainstream education.
Unmet demand
According to the 2020 school census from the DfE there are 17,000 children with additional needs in Surrey in Reception to Year 11 (ages 4 - 16). Our research suggested 69% of these children were active for 30 minutes or more, on fewer than two days per week. The recommendation of England’s Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty is that children should be active for an average of 60 minutes every day.
Yet it plainly isn’t a lack of desire that results in such low numbers: 74% of Surrey’s young people with additional needs responded that they would “love to increase the sport and physical activity” that they do. So what’s stopping them?
Anxiety and worries about others
Anxiety and a fear of judgement by other children or parents are the biggest barriers to greater participation. Added to this, almost a third report that they have no-one to be active with.
Put together, it paints a picture of children with additional needs in our communities being trapped in inactivity, with all the implications that brings for their health and mental wellbeing.
Despite their concerns, 58% are happy to attend club sessions that are open to everyone while the remaining 42% indicate that they’re more comfortable being alongside others with their disability. Some health conditions will inevitably demand different setups (for certain physical disabilities), but it’s likely that worries about others’ opinions played a part in the responses from some of this 42%.
External obstacles
Many respondents to the family survey commented on the practical barriers that face them. Staff and providers simply not having the skills or awareness needed to properly coach their child is the main such factor.
A lack of suitable activities nearby and the absence of 1:1 support are cited, as is the expense. Interestingly, most parents don’t object to paying a fair price for their disabled child, but the need for someone to accompany their son or daughter (whether that be siblings with whom they can play, or parents to provide help) is often an issue.
The views of professionals
Those whose roles support young people echo the view that the main barrier to in sport and activity participation can be children and parents’ anxiety.
Practical problems are also high up the list. More 1:1 support is needed, as is better funding and transport options to/from venues. Concerns over the depth of knowledge of those coaches and instructors who deliver activity is again evident.
Professionals based in schools say that finding local clubs who are willing and able to help young people with additional needs outside of school time is a huge benefit.
So what’s the answer?
Unsurprisingly, there is no single solution. But Active Surrey are keen to share these results with clubs, instructors, leisure providers and organisations to help them understand the concerns of these children and their parents, and increase opportunities to be active.
Whatever providers / deliverers can do to help, it’s clear that any changes that enable young disabled people to become more active are likely to be welcomed by Surrey’s hard pressed families.
Some suggestions
To help tackle anxiety and help combat some of the fears over others’ opinions, providers can really help by providing families with photos / videos and more information about what happens during sessions upfront, alongside details of who runs the sessions and facilities. Hosting beginners’ events in which parents, friends or siblings can take part and initially assist for no additional cost can also help a player with additional needs to settle in.
Investing in training around common disabilities to ensure paid and voluntary staff know the basics of supporting young people with additional needs is paramount – something which Active Surrey plan to help with later this year.
Given the number of children with autism, ADHD and communication difficulties (which are sometimes referred to as ‘hidden disabilities’), focusing on them is likely to have the most impact. That’s not to say other conditions should be ignored if there is localised demand or available skills, but training that initially covers those conditions is likely to be most beneficial.
Finally, simply hosting sessions that welcome young disabled children alongside non-disabled and / or running separate sessions at appropriate times of the day can benefit parents who are likely to be hard-pressed for time due to caring responsibilities. Too often, activities that are offered take place during the school day or after normal bedtime.
Farran Leach, Active Surrey Communities Officer comments: “If we believe Surrey should be a place where everyone is helped to feel better, it’s clear we could all be doing more to help deliver on the wishes of young people with additional needs to become more active.
“It takes commitment on the part of activity providers to want to engage with affected families, and staff or volunteers who aren’t fazed by children with additional needs. Highlighting their sessions and thinking about how things can be tweaked to welcome more such children and discussing that with parents is a great first step.
“The more that providers, groups and coaches engage, the easier it gets, until there comes a point then the distinction between disabled and non-disabled players ceases to be such a daunting barrier.”
Kate Goode, Participation Manager at Family Voice Surrey said: “At Family Voice Surrey we aspire to give Surrey Parents a voice and improve opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.
“We regularly hear from families that their child wants and would benefit from more opportunity to get involved in sport, clubs and activities in their community.
“We believe every child should be given equal opportunities to thrive and be active. In order to do that it is really important that we understand the barriers parent and carers are facing in the first instance.”
The full report, along with a tips sheet to help providers open up more sessions to young people with additional needs, can be found on our exercising with a health condition or disability page.