Sports for persons with a learning disability : a tool that may be used in social work

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore whether persons with an intellectual disability can improve their behaviour, be included and socialise with other children through sport. Six boys, between nine and fifteen years of age, two of whom are living with an intellectual disability participated in this study. Another participant was a child with mental health problems. A one shot case study design was implemented in the study. The participants who live in the same residential setting were asked to attend a weekly athletic session at the grounds of their residential setting over a three month period. The participants were observed during the activity. Two interviews prior and after the intervention were carried out with the residential social worker. Other interviews were carried out with three different residential carers after the intervention. The data . gathering through these interviews and observation of the children's behaviour were analysed and discussed. Improvement in behaviour was recorded by the majority of the participants. Participants seemed to socialise only with some of the other participants, but not with all. Sometimes participants were not included and I had to intervene to facilitate inclusion. Sometimes children collaborated but in other instances they kept on with what they were doing. Findings suggest that the approach that I used seemed to influence the desirable effect on behaviour. One's child unstable family background seemed to have influenced his behaviour with respect to including others and socialising with others during the sessions.