Karate lessons? As long as you think he will under stand it is for class only ,and wont get into trouble at school for kicking, chopping, everything he sees (like my son would do) Start your kid in a sport is as early as possible,then they can progress as the other kids do,some kids start sports at 4 ,like soccer and T ball, if you wait to long for them to try out for these sports they will have a harder time. Linda My oldest son did karate and he was very uncoordinated, low self esteem, not good at following directions, ADD kid.  He did ok at first and wasn't too motivated since it was hard for him but he always felt great after class (sensory I'm sure) so he continued for years.  He has a black belt in hapkido, Tang su do and Kobudo.  I'd try it if he doesn't have aggressive tendencies.  I would make the rule (most karate schools do anyway) that if he uses his karate inappropriately he misses out on class for a week, if he does it again, a month and again, take out of class for good.  Something like that anyway....I agree with Autti34 and her mom's approach. Let him try it. J is up to his brown belt in kempo karate. He started when he was 7 and it has done a lot for his confidence, coordination and balance. (When he started, he used to fall down a lot.) Also, the one time a kid tried to pick a fight with him, he kicked his butt---literally. J doesn't participate in  MA competitions; they are not his thing. His only objection to class is the noise when other kids yell KIA! Now, he sometimes takes adult classes to avoid this. Another possibility is having your son take a couple of private classes before he joins a group, so that he can follow the instructor more easily and know what to expect.  Good luck One of the little guys I work with takes Karate. He really enjoy it, but is not able to keep up with his peers. I'd encourage you to try it, but not to have high expectations on his belt progressions. [QUOTE=shanina]My 8 year old son who has pdd, and is verbal told me that he would like to get into karate school...  Would this be a good idea?  And if not, what would be a good activity to get him into like softball, music lessons???  He is really lookin foward to getting into something....  Does anyone have children who into something like that?  If so what?[/QUOTE] i try it .it was very hard for me as folling dirction an sencorey stuff .but if he insted i say let him try it .if it to hard he let you no .my mom woud let me try anything i was instred in .if it didnt work out .i found out for my self not from being told you cantGo ahead and sign them up. Is it possible for him to  take a couple classes before paying.  Karate has helped me with my balance and coordination.  My 8 year old son who has pdd, and is verbal told me that he would like to get into karate school...  Would this be a good idea?  And if not, what would be a good activity to get him into like softball, music lessons???  He is really lookin foward to getting into something....  Does anyone have children who into something like that?  If so what? I think it would be a great idea.  Karate is noncompetitive, so your son will be able to progress at his own pace. And from what I've heard, ir really helps with discipline and self-control and teaches kids to be respectful and helps them with following directions, etc.  Dooder takes piano, which he loves!  But why not try what your son is interested in? Good for him!  Have fun! From what I've heard, success in organized recreational activities is mostly dependent on having a coach who has a positive attitude about kids with special needs. My eldest son has occasional problems with meltdowns and aggression, and I'm reluctant to sign him up for anything that teaches him how to get the physical upperhand, regardless of how "peaceful" it is at practice.  Here are some resources on sports and autism, including some links about the martial arts. http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28690&am p;KW=sports+resources Good luck, whatever you choose! My son takes Shou shu which is a mixed martial arts and he totally loves it! His class is really small (around 3 kids usually) so its perfect! Plus I have been told by my sons doctors, therapist and case workers that karate is practically like therapy, its great for them. Whats a plus with us is that shou shu does not have any competitions they only use it when they have to defend themselves, are practicing, during lessons etc. Not for sport which is good because my son wouldnt be able to handle competing at least in his present state and frustration levels and he gets real down on himself for everything. Id get him into it and if he doesnt like it he can always try something else. I think music lessons is great too thats what i want to get my son into next. Good luck!
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