My 5 yo has Sensory Dysfuntion that is well controlled. He started Karate last week for the summer. His instructor said they have kids with Bipolar, Terret's, Aspergers, and Autism in his classes. I have read that it is good for kids with ADHD, which seems to match alot of my son's symptoms.
Just curious what to expect and how it worked for others - good and bad.

By Tink on Sunday, June 5, 2005 - 11:17 pm:

My son has high functioning autism and the sensory issues that go along with it. We plan on starting karate soon, simply because it seems like a less overwhelming environment than other sports. It has the added benefit of having no one but himself to compete against and the structure is sure to be something that he thrives under. How does your son like his class?

By Cat on Sunday, June 5, 2005 - 11:39 pm:

Not Sensory Dysfunction, but ADHD and Bipolar. He's 11 1/2 now and has been in since last February. He was not at all stable when he started. We finally got the right combo of meds about 6 months in, but he's never had any problems in class. His instructor is wonderful with him (and the rest of the kids, including my 9yo). It's been wonderful for him.

By Feonad on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 07:05 am:

We started ds when he was 3 and a half. He went for a year. He was too young to get anything from it.

We might start again, when he is in kindergarten.

By Mommmie on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 05:04 pm:

My ADHD, LD, some sensory issues son did not like karate at all. We tried it when he was in kinder and he hated it with a passion. He is 10 now and still would never ever consider it.

By Lauram on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 08:08 pm:

My son takes it. He has Tourette's, ADHD, OCD, anxiety and Sensory issues (proprioception and some vestibular). It was recommended to us in Kindergarten as a way to graduate from OT- but only in a program that has a mirror. It has been highly successful with my son. He's 8 now and is just starting his third year of it. It is great for him- relaxing and very centering. It also has improved his self-esteem, balance and coordination tremendously. It is very hard! (My son could not handle team sports at all- individual ones are much better for him- he does swimming too).