The teacher-student relationship is an integral part of any class. For gymnastics coach Julie Watson, the connection she has with “L” is perhaps the most important factor in his success.
At first glance, L seems like just another high-energy gymnastics student learning a challenging skill during a class at Blue Valley Rec.
But for his coach and his mom, the eager six-year-old represents something very special that stands out among the others. His somewhat difficult path to a goal of learning gymnastic skills offered a few significant challenges.
Those challenges have been overcome thanks to the hard work of L, the commitment of his mom, and the patience and understanding of his coach.
L was born with autism, but he hasn’t allowed that to be an obstacle in his will to achieve success. He has demonstrated the talent and confidence to participate in the gymnastics program while being mainstreamed into the class. And, for anyone observing, it’s a class filled with smiles from everyone.
L was first assigned a paraprofessional for his Blue Valley Rec gymnastics class a few years ago. His first experience with that class was one of frustration for both L and his mom. It did not produce the results either was expecting.
But they were not ready to quit just yet. A few years after that initial introduction to gymnastics, his mother noticed L was less resistant to new experiences at school. She considered trying gymnastics one more time and it was then recommended that L try working with Watson.
This time, the match of pupil and coach was a major success. Watson has not allowed L’s autism to be an obstacle in learning gymnastic skills and participating in the same fashion of children in the class.
“I had never been a paraprofessional for a child with autism before, so I didn’t really know what to expect,” Watson said. “We worked together and he really started listening to me.”
L is in a class with seven other kids and Watson serves as L’s assistant by modifying the skills the other kids are working on and by focusing individual attention on him.
“You can’t just say ‘touch your toes,’ and expect it to happen for L. You have to show him so he can mimic it,” his mother explained. “Julie is so incredible at doing that, and it makes a huge difference of how he responds.”
Watson, L, and L’s mother are all pleased with what he has accomplished.
“Julie has been phenomenal,” his mother said. “I know all the paraprofessionals out there are good, but she is such an awesome match with L.”
Watson also believes their success working together is a byproduct of understanding and effective communication.
“I think we just have a good connection, and we just understand each other. It works out well,” Watson said.
Because the experience has been successful, gymnastics has improved L’s life in more ways than one by enhancing his coordination, focus, and balance.
“He’s always been a little bit on the less toned side, but ever since he started gymnastics, there has definitely been an improvement,” his mother said.
The skills learned within gymnastics have impacted L throughout school, where he is also mainstreamed into the classroom.
“The teachers at school can tell when he has had a busy physical schedule over the weekend because he is more focused and more attentive,” she added.
The improvements are also visible within gymnastics itself. L previously feared going upside down in flips, but with Watson’s coaching guidance he has overcame that concern. Watson said his balance has improved, he jumps off higher levels, and he has gotten better at following along with the class.
“It’s really rewarding to see him do something new that he didn’t want to do,” Watson said. “I’m just so excited for him, and it makes me feel so good inside that he’s learning and progressing.”
Finding the best way to accommodate L’s needs was an important aspect of his ultimate success.
“No kid responds to just one paraprofessional,” L’s mother said. “Blue Valley Rec is awesome about switching it around to accommodate for all needs and to find the best match possible.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the occurrence of autism spectrum cases in children increased 72 percent since 2007. This means approximately one in 50 kids is now diagnosed with autism.
However, this rise in autism—even if just a rise in diagnosis rates— emphasizes the need for new developments and accommodations for individuals like L with special needs.
“I believe certain people just go together—their personalities just get along,” Watson said.
L has had such a great experience that he plans to continue gymnastics and even try swim lessons with a paraprofessional.
“It’s been such a great program for him,” his mother said. “It has helped him so much, and there has been such an improvement.”
L’s mom said the most rewarding aspect of the experience is seeing his interaction with Watson.
“They’re always high-fiving and giving each other hugs,” his mother said. “When L received his certificate last year, he was absolutely grinning from ear to ear.”
While L has certainly benefited most from this experience, he has not been the only one to gain from it. Seeing L’s success has been the highlight of the experience for his mom and Watson.
“He’s happy all the time,” Watson said. “It makes me happy, too, just to see how happy he is.”