Special needs student ‘makes buckets’

A Grade 7 student with autism and a communication impairment who has “found belonging and joy through basketball” has been recognized as one of York Region District School Board’s Athletes of York Region.

TJ Watts “makes buckets,” says fellow Rouge Park Public School student Joseph.

TJ expresses himself through gestures, an iPad and his “skilled gameplay,” the board reports. Playing basketball is more than just a game for him – it’s a way to form friendships and have an active part within his school. “Playing on the basketball team makes me feel part of the school community,” TJ says. “I have made many new friends on the team.”

“What makes TJ unique is that he came with a whole skillset and what we needed to do was find a way and an opportunity for him to let that skillset out,” says Matthew Watts, Community Class Special Education Resource Teacher, who lauds TJ’s jump shot. “We needed an entry point. When we found one, we included him on the junior and intermediate basketball team. Through repetition, through building relationships with teammates, he’s actually able to show the skills that he’s always had.”

TJ has been given “meaningful opportunities to play,” the board reports, pointing to a game at Black Walnut Public School, also in Markham, where the opposing coach ensured a supportive environment for him to score. At the area tournament, extra time was added to let TJ take the court again, with the crowd chanting his name in celebration.

Photo of TJ Watts, a screenshot from www2.yrdsb.ca/athletes-york-region-tj-watts-intermediate-basketball, courtesy of the York Region District School Board.