Cricket turned 14-year-old with autism into a champ: Why team sports are great for therapy

Although we started him on some medication to control his phases of irritability and aggression, we found that he was interested in physical activity and sports. We worked on his interest area and gave him a few options. The child chose cricket. Within months of consistent participation, his parents and clinicians observed remarkable progress. He was communicating better in a social setting, his attention span had improved, he was not as hyperactive, he was confident about himself the first time and was calmer. For the first time, he had made friends in the team he played for. And he looked forward to a game as a goal, preparing for it days in advance.

Over the next couple of years, the boy’s symptoms subsided, enabling full withdrawal of medications. His academic performance improved significantly, and he began excelling in cricket at the school and inter-school levels, winning accolades. Today, he continues to do exceptionally well — academically, socially, and in sports. All because of cricket. This case underscores how combining medical treatment with structured team sports can transform outcomes for children living with autism. Team sports such as cricket offer far more than physical fitness — they help children regulate emotions, develop social skills, improve concentration, and achieve higher confidence levels.

How Cricket Helps Children with Autism

Children on the autism spectrum often struggle with social communication, sensory processing and adapting to changes. Cricket, with its predictable rules and structured gameplay, can support these domains in multiple ways.

Cricket encourages interaction, cooperation, turn-taking and teamwork. Through regular practice and match participation, children with autism learn essential social cues — eye contact, responding to teammates, and understanding shared goals. Playing in a team promotes communication, cooperation and improvement in interpersonal relationships, areas where many children struggle.

People with autism thrive in a structured environment. Cricket involves predefined roles (bowler, batsman, fielder), repeated drills and scheduled practice sessions — elements that provide predictability and security. Running, batting, catching and fielding engage the sensory system. These controlled sensory inputs help children with autism regulate body awareness, motor planning, and sensory overload.

Every run scored, catch taken, and personal milestone achieved fosters a sense of accomplishment. Over time, children develop confidence not only in cricket but also in communication and social participation.

Cricket helps channel hyperactivity and is a healthy outlet for energy and anxiety. A game channelises this into structured physical movement and strengthens neural pathways related to focus and impulse control. Since the game requires sustained attention, whether it’s tracking the ball, waiting for the right delivery, or staying alert in the field, the child learns to concentrate better.

Cricket introduces time management, rule adherence, and discipline, helping children structure their behaviour and daily routine. In the process, children also improve their physical health, can reduce stress and anxiety, thanks to the neurochemical effects of exercise.

How to help children with autism take to cricket

• Choose a supportive team environment: Coaches trained to understand neurodevelopmental conditions make a major difference.

• Communicate openly with coaches and teammates: Sharing the child’s needs can help create an inclusive environment.

• Build strategies to reduce distractions: Simple techniques like focusing on the ball, positive self-talk, or role-specific cues can help children.

• Start slow and be consistent: Regular participation is key to long-term benefits.

When paired with appropriate medical and therapeutic interventions, such sports can significantly improve developmental trajectories.

(Dr Astik Joshi is Child, Adolescent & Forensic Psychiatrist, Fortis Healthcare, New Delhi)