It is important for individuals on the autism spectrum to enjoy sports and leisure activities outside of school and home to build relationships with common interests, interact with peers, and have a physical outlet. Participation in such programs can contribute to the positive development of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, self-confidence and self-esteem, motor skills, social skills, and sportsmanship. Social opportunities allow a person on the autism spectrum to make friends and practice essential skills in a natural environment. It may be best to start with smaller groups and then when ready, the size of the group and the duration of the activity can increase.

Organized athletics have many benefits, but a healthy lifestyle does not have to include sports. Activities can include crafting groups, transition groups, choirs, gaming groups, and many more. What is most important is realizing that physical and leisure activities can be fun. Whether you choose a special needs or inclusive team/activity, be sure to carefully assess the program and select one that meets the individual needs of the participant. Below is a list to keep in mind when looking for recreational sports and leisure activities.

About The Participant:

  • Does the participant want to be in a team sport or do they do better in individual activities?

  • How much interaction does the attendee enjoy before it becomes too overwhelming?

  • Does he/she do better with just a few other individuals or do they prefer larger groups?

  • What activities do they enjoy?

  • If possible, avoid activities during times of the day that they seem to have a hard time (i.e. if they need time to decompress after school or work, do not schedule an activity until later in the evening).

  • Consider the characteristics such as activity level, maturity, level of focus, and special accommodations necessary.

 About The Activity:

  • Does the coach/leader have experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum?

  • What is the coach to participant ratio?

  • How long and how often are games, practices, or events?

  • Does the attendee enjoy the program?

  • Does the coach show enthusiasm and good sportsmanship?

  • Are modifications made to meet the needs of each individual?

  • Is the equipment that is used safe and in good working condition?

  • Is the facility kept clean and in good working order?

  • Does everyone have a chance to participate?

 Sports and Leisure Activities

METRO AREA

Adaptive Aquatics 
Omaha, NE 68116
Ph: 402-896-4280
Contact: Glen Wragge

ALL PLAY Miracle League
13414 Paul Street
Omaha, NE 68154
Ph: 402-305-5020
Contact: Bruce Froendt
Email: bfroendt@allplay.org
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ASAP Aquatics Programs
Private swimming lesson for children and adults with special needs.
Omaha, NE
Ph: 402-895-7946 

Challenger Little League
PO Box 241628
Omaha, NE 68124
Ph: 402-558-0031
Email: admin@challengerlittleleague.net
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Dragon Lair Comics
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Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA)
4906 South 180 Street
Omaha, NE 68135
Ph: 402-359-8830
Fax: 866–577-4598
Contact: Edye Godden
Email: Edye@hetra.org
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Keys to Harmony, LLC
10925 Hascall Street
Omaha, NE 68144
Ph: 402-502-7572
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Kidz in Motion Dance Company “A” Team Class for Girls with ASD ages 7 and Up
3503 Samson Way, Suite 101
Bellevue NE
Ph: 402-292-2131
Email: trn1440@gmail.com
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Legend Comics
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Metro Stars Gymnastics – Special Stars
12305 Cary Circle Suite 11
LaVista, NE 68128
Ph: 402-505-7600
Email: info@metrostarsgym.com
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Munroe-Meyer Institute Recreational Therapy Programs
University of Nebraska Medical Center
985430 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198
Ph: 402-559-5772 or 800-656-3937 ext. 9-5772
Fax: 402-559-5737

Ollie Webb Center, Inc.
1941 S. 42nd St., Ste. 122
Omaha, NE 68105
Contact: Front Desk Receptionist
Ph: 402-346-5220
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Omaha FC TOPSoccer
14706 Giles Rd.
Omaha, NE 68138
Ph: 402-896-4420
Contact: Christina Lewis
Email: ChristinaL@OmahaFC.com
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Pump It Up Omaha
Autism Support Group Night
960 S 72nd St
Omaha, NE 68114-4634
Ph: 402-932-7867
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Special Olympics Nebraska
11011 Q Street, Suite 104 C
Omaha, NE 68137
Contact: Laura K. Strathe, Director of Youth & School Programs
Contact Ph: 402-331-5545 ext. 20
Email: lstrathe@sone.org
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Spielbound Board Game Cafe
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Take Flight Farms 
1004 Farnam Street, Suite 400
Omaha, NE 68102
Ph: 402-930-3037
Email: contact@takeflights.org 
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The Salvation Army Kroc Center
Adaptive Swim Class
2825 Y St
Omaha, NE 68107
Contact: Linda Behounek, Aquatics Director
Contact Ph: 402-905-3590
Email: Linda_Behounek@USC.salvationarmy.org
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TOPSoccer – Bellevue Soccer Club
P.O. Box 373
Bellevue, NE 68005
Ph: 402-593-6653
Clubhouse Ph: 402-291-0886
Fax: 402-292-3222
Contact: Denise Gehringer
Email: TOPSoccerNE@cox.net
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GRETNA

Gretna Soccer Club TOPSoccer Program – Special Strikers
16491 Cinnamon Dr.
Omaha, NE 68136
Ph: 402-332-4239
Contact: Julie Karloff
Contact Ph: 402-861-1601
Emaii: jkarloff@cox.net
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GREATER NEBRASKA 

Special Olympics Nebraska
11011 Q Street, Suite 104C
Omaha, NE 68137-3700
Ph: 402-331-5545 or 800-247-0105
Fax: 402-331-5964
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KEARNEY 

TOPSoccer Program
1402 Ninth Avenue
Kearney, NE 68845
Contact: Lisa Hibberd
Contact Ph: 308-627-3571
Email: glhibberd@charter.net
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LINCOLN

Cheer and Dance Express
Cheerleading classes for kids with special needs starting September through April.
Sunshine Cheer Team: Grades 4-12, 6:30-7:30 PM, Wednesday and Thursday
Little Rays Cheer Team: Grades Preschool-3, 6:30-7:15 PM, Wednesday
4001 S. 8th St., Lincoln, NE
Ph: 402-489-5111
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 Homer’s Heroes Baseball

2300 Atwood Circle
Lincoln, NE 68521
Contact: Jeanne Cuda
Contact Ph: 402-423-7434
Email: Homersheroes1@aol.com
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Special Olympics Young Athletes Program
Easterday Recreation Center
6130 Adams St.
Lincoln, NE 68507
Ph: 402-441-7877
Email: kzingg@lincoln.ne.gov

TOPSoccer – Capital Soccer Association
1701 K Street, Lower Lever
Lincoln, NE. 68508
Contact: Jackie Wagner
Contact Ph: 402-464-5425
Fax: 402-464-5425
Email: administrator@capitalsoccer.com
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AGES 18+ RESOURCES