Coaching Autistic People Through Sport
in partnership with
in partnership with
Understand autism as a difference. Learn, identify and address barriers to engagement in sport and fitness.
See and get to know the person. This is based on a positive, inclusive narrative about autistic people, and safe spaces for belonging and connection.
Apply knowledge and adapt your practice in your own setting, using an evidence-based ethical framework.
Our course provides practitioners with a safe space to exploreexplore and understand the nature of autism, discuss concepts and participate in exercises, consider implications for practice, and use evidence-based frameworks to support autistic people in their setting.
We ask practitioners to reflect on their attitude and behaviour towards autistic people. They can make the difference between someone turning up for a class or not, and continuing to attend or never going back.
As practitioners, it's our job to help them feel understood, safe and accepted; that our setting is a place where they feel they belong, and a community that helps them feel valued and connected.
This course is designed to provide a positive and individualised approach to supporting the health and wellbeing of autistic people.
We work with fitness coaches, sports coaches, gym instructors, PE teachers - everyone involved in teaching sport and fitness - to understand autism, and to consider what they can do to support autistic people into sport.
This course can be adapted for multiple settings; please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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Dr Dominic Cunliffe Deputy Dean (Education), School of Health and SportAs a School of Health and Sport, we believe it is really important to help break down barriers to participation in sport and physical activity. Our attendees learnt a great deal from the course, and it has given them increased confidence and a new skill set for working with autistic participants. The fact that our students will also be able to work towards an 'Advanced Practitioner' professional status is fantastic, and will help set them apart from other graduates.
Kelly Simm Attendee, 4-time Commonwealth Games medallist for Team GBThe CAPS course was really informative… it was fascinating to learn about the experiences autistic people may have, and how we can best support them through coaching and sport.
CIMSPA Official EndorsementThis is an exceptionally well-designed and current course that demonstrates clear alignment to sector priorities around inclusion and accessibility. The balance of theoretical understanding, practical application, and lived experience provides a powerful and authentic learning experience. All endorsement criteria have been fully met, and the product is therefore endorsed.
Course dates and locations will be announced soon. Register your interest to be notified.
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The only CIMSPA accredited course in the UK, designed by and with the community, and the only sports course in the UK underpinned by the evidence-based SPELL framework
CAPS was conceived of by James Dewar-Haggart FCIMSPA (CH), who holds the UK’s highest attainable sports qualification and is a neurodivergent community member. His experience across team and individual sports, with a focus on providing a safe space for all, regardless of ability, age, background, identity, or neurotype, enables a genuinely holistic approach.
The course was co-designed and co-developed with Dr Ruth Moyse, Head of Training and Co-Production at AT-Autism and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Southampton. Ruth has over 20 years experience in education, including as Co-Director of the recent NHS-funded National Autism Trainer Programme, and is a co-author of the SPELL Framework (3rd Edition) and an Advanced SPELL Trainer. She is also autistic.
Book NowInterested in booking a course, discussing bespoke delivery for your organisation, or just want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you.
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