Autism Research Highlights Importance of Coaching Capacity and Inclusive Sports Settings

Strategic Insights -

A recent study on autism research highlights the growing need for coaching capacity to meet the influx of autism diagnoses. The study, conducted by Indiana University, reveals that autism diagnoses have increased by 787% from 1998 to 2018. To address this surge, researchers emphasize the importance of providing coaches with continuing education to efficiently work with autistic athletes. A novel movement assessment, the WES Scale, has been developed by adaptive coaches to help promote inclusive sports and gym settings. This curriculum aims to produce well-rounded coaches and environments where movement development can be shared with autistic athlete profiles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of autism diagnoses has increased by 787% from 1998 to 2018, according to the report.
  • The study highlights the need for coaching capacity to meet the influx of autism diagnoses, with a focus on providing coaches with continuing education.
  • The WES Scale movement assessment, developed by adaptive coaches, is a novel tool for working with autistic athletes and promoting inclusive sports and gym settings.
  • The research was conducted by Indiana University and published in the International Sport Coaching Journal in 2024.
  • The study aims to produce well-rounded coaches and environments where movement development can be shared with autistic athlete profiles.
  • Coaches can benefit from continuing education to work efficiently with autistic athletes, promoting inclusive sports and gym settings.
  • The study provides a comprehensive curriculum for coaches to work with athletes of different autism profiles.

Statistics:

  • 787% increase in autism diagnoses from 1998 to 2018 (source: Indiana University).
  • The WES Scale movement assessment was developed by autistic coach educator Julien Pineau (source: International Sport Coaching Journal, 2024).
  • The study was published in the International Sport Coaching Journal in 2024 (volume 11, issue 2).
  • The free version of the journal article is available via https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1123/iscj.2022-0097.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports from Indiana University Highlight Recent Research in Autism (A Novel Movement Assessment for Autism: The WES Scale). Mental Health Weekly Digest. July 7, 2025; p 535.
  • A Novel Movement Assessment for Autism: The WES Scale. International Sport Coaching Journal, 2024,11(2). The publisher for International Sport Coaching Journal is Human Kinetics.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1123/iscj.2022-0097