Three in four autistic children want to play more sport but avoidable barriers stand in their way
Hayley has danced since they were four years old. (ABC News: Richard Sydenham)
The couches, tables and lamps have all been pushed to the edge of the suburban Melbourne lounge room, clearing just enough space for two teenagers to rehearse.
Hayley and their friend Isabella take their opening pose as a backing track strains from a phone speaker on a couch arm.
The dance begins. One misses a beat and bursts into giggles, the other laughs and stumbles through their next step.
Here, at home, dance feels easy. Natural. Fun.
"It's very relaxing and enjoyable," Hayley, 15, says.
They wish it could always be like this.
Loading...But in the dance studio — under bright lights, fast routines, quick instructions and the sensory buzz of a full class — it's a different story.
"Sometimes it could look like I'm doing the dance normally with a smile," Hayley says.
"But internally, I'm struggling. Don't know what I'm doing."
Hayley is autistic.
Hayely finds dance classes both exhausting and exhilarating. (ABC News: Richard Sydenham)
They mask their difficulties so well that teachers often can't see when they're battling overstimulation or unclear instructions.
The cost of that performance only becomes visible at home, once the music has well and truly faded.
"I normally lie down on the bed and just stay there," Hayley says.
Their mother, Anthea, sees what others don't — the missed days of school, the exhaustion.
"They may even have meltdowns when they come home," she says.
"And sadly for them, they get very hard on themself."
Hayley would dance every day if they could. But for autistic young people, the barriers are often invisible — and widespread.
Anthea loves what dance has brought out in Hayley. (ABC News: Richard Sydenham)
The participation gap
New research from the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice shows three in four autistic children wish they could do more sport or physical activity.
Chris Edwards, a research fellow who led the study, surveyed 103 autistic adults and 169 parents of autistic children across Australia.
The findings were stark.
While 91 per cent of autistic children had participated in organised sport or activity at some point, only 49 per cent of autistic adults were currently involved.
"The desire to participate didn't drop," Dr Edwards says.
"Seventy-four per cent of parents said their child wanted to do more, and 69 per cent of autistic adults said the same.
"So the motivation is there. What's missing is access."
He says the barriers are not complex — and autistic people are not the problem.
He said the research showed autistic people did not opt out of sport due to a lack of interest, but because programs lacked flexibility.
"I expected to see some drop-off in participation with age, but I wasn't prepared for how many people described being excluded to the point that they stopped going altogether," he said.
Dr Chris Edwards is a self-confessed sport lover. (ABC News)
"It feels deeply wrong, and honestly un-Australian, that there is a large group of Australians who want to play, who have the motivation and the passion, but who are prevented by avoidable barriers.
"Many told us they loved sport, but the environment didn't love them back."
Mathew Johnson, director of children's therapy services at the Autism Association of WA, says coaches often have "incredible will and intention" to support autistic participants.
"But they haven't had any training. They don't have any support or understanding of what the best things are to do," Mr Johnson said.
Dance is a shared passion for Hayley and Anthea. (Supplied)
When the furniture's pushed aside
Back in Melbourne's outer suburbs, Hayley's working towards their final end-of-year concert.
It's been a packed schedule. In addition to schoolwork, Hayley recently took on a speaking role in their troupe's production of Alice in Wonderland Jr.
Their mother, Anthea, is a dancer from way back — ballroom, rather than musical theatre.
Make-up is all part of the performance for Hayley. (ABC News: Richard Sydenham)
When she watches Hayley perform, there's always a tissue or two nearby.
"When I watch Hayley dance, I have tears in my eyes, I'm so proud," Anthea says.
"To have a child that goes through so much to be happy, confident … it's everything."
Hayley's danced their whole life, starting out at just four years old.
Despite the exhaustion, the masking, the days in bed, they won't quit.
Dancing has always been part of Hayley's life. (ABC News: Richard Sydenham)
"No, I'll never quit," they say.
It's something their mum endorses, despite the clear toll their love for dance takes.
"It's given them confidence," Anthea says.
"It's gotten them through so many challenges. It's just been life-changing."
In their lounge room, with furniture pushed aside and music crackling from a phone speaker, it's a glimpse of what a routine looks like when all the barriers fall away.
Just two teenagers dancing.