"learn how to fall, stand up and demand" a book on a structured inclusive judo program and its effects on the inclusion of autistic spectrum disorder children

The book presents the method and results of the Structured Inclusive Judo Program (SI _Judo) specifically designed to include children or adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in basic Gokyo Judo lessons. It is important to note that Senpai of ASD children in Judo lessons were members of therapeutic community who were practicing in Judo during their therapy. The SI_ Judo has been implemented for 6 months, at a once weekly frequency, in the informal learning environment of “School for All: Tokei Maru” of Include in Thessaloniki Greece, with positive effects on specific psychosocial and psychomotor skills for ASD participants. The effects of SI_Judo ​​ascertained after SI-Judo educational intervention to two ASD children. According to the research methodology, the effects of SI_Judo ​​had been investigated by interviews and questionnaires of parents of ASD children, Senpai calendars and independent and participating observation protocols. According to parents interviews “SI_Judo was a window in their children world” or Si _Judo supported the ASD child to find his position in family and local community”. According the results of Si_Judo the program ​​is suggested as an alternative intervention not only for ASD children or adults but for people of vulnerable groups. Judo is categorized as a sport that exercises the mind along with the body. As it has been defined by Jigoro Kano, Judo is based on the principle of maximum efficiency and as such, functions positively at many levels at the same time. According to results of the SI_judo, Judo could be approached as a kind of intervention to enhance ASD children psychosocial and psychomotor skills. The SI_Judo program “Learn How to fall, Stand Up and Demand” were funded by “Support Points” of big Foundations in Greece.