FENCING therapy
Program for children with special needs
BENEFITS
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are the most common developmental disability in Australia, and they are frequently accompanied by executive functioning difficulties. There is scientific evidence that fencing training can enhance working function and the capacity to control spontaneous reactions in school-aged children with ASD.
At the Swing Academy, a growing number of autistic children are beginning fencing training. We've seen the huge benefits for those children who regularly fence. Utilising therapeutic techniques of fencing, our fencing coach or exercise physiologist will work together and perform a one-on-one training session with the child. This one-on-one fencing training, combined with the fencing techniques, physical exercises and other skills learned during therapy, can have many benefits for a children with Autism.
Improve Focus and Mental Health
Fencing teaches focus, children tend to pay attention for longer periods of time and relief the stress. On the fencing strip, fencers have to remain focused if they want to win
Fitness, Balance and Coordination
Fencing teaches hand-eye coordination, motor skills and awarance of body position. Small movement in hands, fingers and feet can have big impacts.
Improve Social Skills
The structured social interactions in the fencing class help improve the social skills and confidence. Fencing reduces impulsivity, children will quickly learn impulsive is the fastest way to lose.
Core and Endurance
Fencing not only involves the skills of the sword, but also involves a combination of mental and physical attributes, such as stamina, speed, power, coordination, flexibility.
Sensory need
There are lights, buzzers going off and screaming when score a touch. The scoring machine for fencing transforms correct interpretation and response into lights and sounds, just like a video game.
the science of it
According to recently fencing research by fencing master Maestra Julie Seal, fencing is working as a transcriptor . Fencing could help people with autism phenotype expression connect with others by removing barriers that the autistic brain can't easily recognise and replacing them with a "language" that the systemizing brain is great at processing.
Fencing therapy
1. provide a method for improving cognitive communication skills and social connection for the participant;
2, further developing the brain's empathy centre.
Fencing Equipment
The fencing equipment offers a physical barrier between the participant and receiving of information from the outside world.
Since the participant and fencing coach (opponent) 's faces are covered by a fencing mask, it leaves the participant with just body actions and for the brain to interpret, process, and create a response. Fencing offers complete and objective positive and negative feedback. When skills are performed correctly, participants are awarded a point. When a skill is executed incorrectly, the opponent earns a point.
Sensory need
The scoring machine for fencing is the medium transfer device. The fencing scoring machine only responds to 500g or 750g of pressure. It transforms correct interpretation and response into lights and sounds, just like a video game.The fencing scoring machine offers a precise, objective assessment. Fencers either interpret—they either interpret the opponent's moves and hits—or they do not. Setting the utmost benchmark for success on a per-engagement basis instils confidence that objectives will be attained. Alternatively, the participant might say
"I got hit. The scoring machine is unequivocal." or "I hit my opponent." It can be argued that video games appeal to the people with Autism. Individuals want clear objectives and feedback for the same reason.
The participant does not need to rely on another confused, unreliable human, but rather interacts with a trustworthy computer software that serves as an ambassador of straightforward communication. The numbers are reliable. It's dependable.
The social interaction of fencing
With facial expressions muted and all four limbs moving to attack, defend, and maintain balance, the physical engagement level for fencing is high. The mental work that fencing requires to respond to the opponent's sword, requires a cognitive level of engagement.
Footwork in front of a fencing mirror
The participants will practise reciprocal reflection using advances, retreats, lunges, and recoveries. In other words, as the leader moves forwards, the copy moves backwards, and vice versa. In addition to getting people ready for fencing, this accomplishes the goal of reducing signal overload and encouraging better focus.
*Practicing reciprocal footwork with a partner while concealing potentially confused or distracting facial expressions using masks
Increase focus endurance.
Surmounting stimulus sensitivity by the usage of equipment
interest in macro-interpersonal communication (activities rather than words or facial emotions)
Fencing bouting is a treatment
There are three traditional fencing weapons used for bouting. The épée is possibly the best weapon for beginner autism fencers. Whoever hits their opponent first wins. If both fencers strike at the same time, both fencers get a point until the last point of the match, when only one fencer may score.
The bouting procedure is the treatment for autism. when bouting with a partner, the response is straight and transparent. Fencing interaction affords the possibility for transcription and cognitive growth,
Improve self-esteem and sportsmanship
During bouting, it also facilitate sportsmanship and decorum, salute, shake hands, acknowledge points, etc., give information. These objectives do not necessitate athletic accomplishment. However, they do create a feeling of success and accuracy, which can boost one's self-esteem.
Session info
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A 30-60 minute private consultation with our fencing coach, rehabilitation counsellor or other trained allied health professionals.
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A holistic assessment identifying the root and what you need.
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Individualised treatment plan based on extensive experience and leading health recommendations.
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Fencing therapy for immediate effect that lasts, including fencing skills, exercises, electronic bouting stimulation, sensory improvements, focus and mood improvements.
Who we can help
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Autism
Fencing and movement-based activities establish brain pathways to assist with speech, anxiety, meltdowns / tantrums, social interactions, and other difficulties.
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ADHD
Treatment increases concentration, irritability, anxiety, and learning difficulties.
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Sensory Problems
A programme based on fencing learning increases the capacity to manage change and noisy / crowded surroundings without feeling overwhelmed.
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Neuro-developmental Challenges
integrates reflexes and constructs efficient neural pathways and connections, allowing the brain and body to begin functioning in unison.
