Coaching Individuals With Intellectual Disability and/or Autism: Perspectives of Coaches and Physical Education Teachers in Belgium

This qualitative study explored the experiences of coaches and physical education teachers, collectively referred to as physical activity (PA) professionals, when coaching individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and/or autism. Furthermore, this study explored the educational resources utilized by PA professionals and their needs in terms of increasing knowledge and skills. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 PA professionals active across various contexts (segregation, integration, and inclusion). The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Coaching individuals with ID and/or autism involves considering multiple factors including their physical abilities and behavioral characteristics, the expectations of parents/caregivers, and coach competence. PA professionals experienced complexities of coaching individuals with ID and/or autism and challenges at interpersonal, sport-specific, and environmental/policy levels expressing a need for more tailored education, hands-on experience with the population, and peer support. These findings can guide the development of tailor-made educational tools for coaches to enhance sport participation for individuals with ID and/or autism.