skiing for childern with special needs

HI, does any one know anything about how to teach childern with special needs to ski? In particular children with autistic spectrum disorders. Any advice/ideas greatly appreciated. If anyone knows anything about what facilities may be available in the Porte du Soleil area that would be even better.

Many thanks,
John

I have a little experience with this in respect to Aspergers. Not knowing your specific situation, I would offer some general advice. The same things that you deal with everyday will need some thought and attention in a new enviroment.

Clothing can be an issue as you may know. So attention is needed as to what is the right insulation layers for the tempurature and if the tempurature changes, adjustments might need to be prompted. If texture sensitive, the texture of modern fleece clothing is very soft, but I would avoid more traditional long lohn and thermal vest materials if they are course. Modern wool blend socks are soft and should not be a problem and ski specific socks should not have irritating seams. Again I would emphasise the need to monitor that too little or to much clothing is not worn as the temps change during the day. Also watch for gaps in clothes and wet clothes if the temps are warm. Gauntlet type glove that don't require a lot of fidding around to seal up gaps would be a good idea.

Equipment. It might be a good idea (even if you are renting) to go to ski shops to try on boots. As you know, the fewer suprises, the better. Explain to the ski shop your situation, to see if you can even clip the boots into some skis. BTW all kids should wear helmets, so something else that might be tried out befor hand.

Good luck. The more diverse experiences, the better.

Trencher

Hi, many thanks for that - its the helmet he doesn't like judging by a brief trip to ski Dubai! As far as actual teaching is concerned I wonder if you know of any instructors? I dont think I can deal with the bahviour AND the teaching on my own and I am very keen for him not to be put off early on and for the "venture" to have every chance of success.
Brgds
John

In Britain, The Uphill Ski Club and The British Ski Club for the Disabled organise lessons and training sessions for people with Special Educational Needs at dry ski slopes, as well as holidays in the Alps. Perhaps you could contact them and they might be able to answer your questions.

Hi , I am a member/organiser/guide / of North Wales Dissability Skiing Wales. We meet every first Saturday of the Month at Pas y Brenin, Nr Snowden. We have a waiting list of skiers wanting to join, but let me know if you want more details.
Regards Pete.

From what I do know on Autism/Aspergers agree with Trencher the clothing aspect is so important, they do not express so freely whether they are hot or cold. Possibly some more protective gear ie wrist guards etc as they do not express pain so freely, and could be skiing with an injury. Also I would pick the quietist times and slopes as some-times actions of others and the fact that they are disturbed in what they are trying to do can cause distress.
I expect you know all the help and guide lines, but there are some useful tips on the National Autism sites, with guides to dealing with almost any scenario.
Good luck and hope He/she enjoys the experience.

Rose/Pete, Thank you very much indeed for responding with your advice - I do appreciate it and will follow up.

Best ergards,
John

Hi I have a friend that teaches in Avoriaz / Morzine so ill give him a bell and see if he knows of any ski schools with experience.

Might also be worth Giving BASI a call as they will have a list of instructors that are qualified and working in the area so you could ring and arrange some lessons in advance.
Im guessing a native English speaker would be an advantage.