A Member of the (Wrestling) Team
As a freshman at Leominster High School in Massachusetts, Michael Comeau joined the wrestling team. An article in today’s Sentinel and Enterprise notes that being on the team has helped Comeau—who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 12—to develop social skills. (And to learn to take down a teammate on the mat.) As his mother, Amy Comeau, notes, “‘Before I knew it, he was a member of the team……..It was pretty exciting for us because he’s never shown any interest in sports.’”
If Charlie has any inclination for this sport, I don’t think I’ll be practicing with him…….
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POSTED IN: Asperger's Syndrome, Sports
5 opinions for A Member of the (Wrestling) Team
TomsMom
Jun 2, 2008 at 1:24 am
Great story–great COACH! It’s good to read about this, and a lesson for many. We live in a pretty sports-crazy district; my husband and I have never been all that interested in sports ourselves so Tom’s disinclination for team sport is not a disappointment to us at all. However, it may prove yet another obstacle for Tom in the years to come.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jun 2, 2008 at 1:30 am
A couple of years ago we did the Challenger League. A dad was the main coach and he talked about how he preferred coaching in this league (his daughter played “regular” little league)—-he pointed out that Challenger League was all about trying hard and your best, achievement, playing the game to the extent that you can, not winwinwinwinwin. And he felt that that was what it really should be all about—I had to agree.
Karen Zack
Jun 2, 2008 at 3:43 pm
My son Tom, diagnosed with HFA at 7, started wrestling last year in 7th grade and loved it. The coach was understanding and appreciated that he paid attention all the time and never goofed off, and he actually won a few matches. I don’t think he will ever be able to do “regular” team sports, but it is nice to be in an environment where you are judged just on how hard you try and what you can do, not your social abilities or odd walk or whatever. He is a heavyweight, and they always need more heavyweights on the team. He loves it and is looking forward to some wrestling camps this summer. (He also loves to swim, as Charlie does.)
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jun 2, 2008 at 3:46 pm
@Karen Zack, that’s wonderful! Sounds like he will continue to do it?
Karen Zack
Jun 2, 2008 at 3:53 pm
We have talked to the coach about him doing it through high school, and he told us that an autistic boy did very well at the MD state tournament a few years back, so the coaches are mostly receptive. We are thrilled he has an arena where he is respected for being himself.
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