GRASP

Recreation, Sports, and Activities

It is very important for Autistic and Neurodivergent people to be able to have meaningful access to recreational programming in their schools, universities, and in the community. Recreation and sports activities can provide social opportunities as well as improve physical well-being.

While providing transition services in our school district sites, we identified that organized, recreational activities were desperately needed by the Autistic, Neurodivergent, and disabled students. With coaching certifications from US Soccer and NFHS, including safety and adaptive sports, our staff have been able to apply their years of athletic experience and training to create specific programming for the Autism Community.

During our pilot soccer program, GRASP’s Inclusive Soccer Program, we created a model that includes a team comprised of typically developing, Autistic, and disabled students, which competed in a regional league. GRASP also offers equipment, such as cleats, shin guards, socks, and shorts to students with financial need, as well as goals, cones, and other equipment for practices and games.

Included in our program, we provide full-length and mini camps for community organizations and schools across the country and can assist existing athletic programs in providing best practices for accessibility and inclusivity in recreational activities and sports programs.

We are currently offering an in-person, inclusive soccer program for Autistic, Neurodivergent, Disabled, and Neurotypical youth on the eastside of Hawaii Island, Hawaii. The program will continue for its second session in September 2025 and is free for all members. We are partnering with the Ava Sofia Foundation’s Autism Moms of Kona to provide this amazing opportunity. For more information and registration, please use the form below.