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AUTISM IN CRICKET – WA COMMUNITY CLUBS

“It’s not just about playing cricket. It’s about belonging.”

The Autism in Cricket program is a standout initiative that has helped local cricket clubs across Western Australia become welcoming, autism-friendly environments for players of all ages.

What They Did:

• Partnered with autism experts to co-design inclusive resources, training, and coaching strategies.
• Delivered face-to-face inclusion workshops for coaches, volunteers, and club committees.
• Created visual supports, such as picture schedules and simplified rule guides, to reduce anxiety and help players understand the game.
• Provided on field support coaches to help new players settle in at their own pace.
• Designed autism-friendly club templates, including registration forms that asked about sensory sensitivities or communication preferences.
• Set up a recognition program where clubs could be formally listed as “Autism Inclusive Cricket Clubs” if they met certain inclusion standards.

The Impact:

• Over a dozen clubs across WA are now actively inclusive and promoting themselves as safe places for neurodiverse players.
• Families who never considered cricket as an option are now part of the community.
• Coaches report that the strategies introduced for autistic players helped all players understand and enjoy the game better.

“Our club has grown stronger by including kids who just needed us to meet them halfway.”  Cricket Club Volunteer Coordinator

Thank you for completing this module that provides guidance on disability awareness.