Jade Loses Key Support Group
By Lou Sborlgett for spittle.com
Richmond caretaker coach Jade Rawlings has lost a key support group in his bid to be named head coach of the Tigers beyond this year after an insipid performance by the team against the Swans yesterday.
Rawlings described his players’ problems as “all mental” in the post-match press conference, drawing anger from support group Carers Australia.
“Rawlings gives caretakers a bad name,” said Carers Australia spokesperson Hans Asperger. “The young men in his care should be celebrated for their differences to ordinary people, not singled out for their disabilities. They are all special in their own way.”
But Asperger also questioned the suitability of Richmond’s recreational program for young men with special needs. “Autism spectrum disorders are characterised by poor coordination, lack of imaginative play, inability to adapt to changing environments and impaired social abilities,” he said. “It’s little wonder these young men are failing in a team sport.”
Asperger said that Carers Australia was set up to help struggling carers like Rawlings. “I suggest he reverts to the basics when dealing with the boys in his care. Things like sticker charts and the You Can Do It puppets – Connie Confidence, Peter Persistence and Ricky Resilience could teach them a lot.”
“But the way Jade is talking I think he’d benefit most from respite care. We’d be happy to arrange that with the coaching subcommittee.”
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/
By Lou Sborlgett for spittle.com
Richmond caretaker coach Jade Rawlings has lost a key support group in his bid to be named head coach of the Tigers beyond this year after an insipid performance by the team against the Swans yesterday.
Rawlings described his players’ problems as “all mental” in the post-match press conference, drawing anger from support group Carers Australia.
“Rawlings gives caretakers a bad name,” said Carers Australia spokesperson Hans Asperger. “The young men in his care should be celebrated for their differences to ordinary people, not singled out for their disabilities. They are all special in their own way.”
But Asperger also questioned the suitability of Richmond’s recreational program for young men with special needs. “Autism spectrum disorders are characterised by poor coordination, lack of imaginative play, inability to adapt to changing environments and impaired social abilities,” he said. “It’s little wonder these young men are failing in a team sport.”
Asperger said that Carers Australia was set up to help struggling carers like Rawlings. “I suggest he reverts to the basics when dealing with the boys in his care. Things like sticker charts and the You Can Do It puppets – Connie Confidence, Peter Persistence and Ricky Resilience could teach them a lot.”
“But the way Jade is talking I think he’d benefit most from respite care. We’d be happy to arrange that with the coaching subcommittee.”
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/