For a long time, it was believed that team sports were not suitable for young people with autism due to motor difficulties, low body awareness, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and challenges in team dynamics. However, recent experiences show the opposite: with the right approach, soccer can become an important opportunity for growth and well-being.
Unlike school or therapeutic activities, which are often structured and predictable, soccer takes place in a dynamic outdoor environment with ever-changing stimuli. Facing movement, interaction with teammates, and unexpected situations can initially be challenging, but with the support of coaches and psychologists, these young athletes learn to better manage their emotions and develop motor and social skills.
Child neuropsychiatrist Roberto Rossi highlights how, thanks to sports, many young people have made remarkable progress not only physically but also in communication and social relationships. Soccer provides them with a space for fun and fulfillment, fostering positive integration with peers and improving their quality of life.
Based on these principles, the Integrated Soccer Academy has been active for the past ten years, developing an innovative soccer teaching system for young people with autism. This approach is now documented in the book Autism and Soccer, edited by Alberto Cei and Daniela Sepio, with contributions from coaches, psychologists, speech therapists, and medical professionals.
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