Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism that is mainly characterized by difficulties in social interaction and repetitive or restricted behaviors, although it does not present any delays in language or cognitive development. For Arthur Parmentier, a 28-year-old with Asperger’s who is part of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne’s One Team program, he has been able to take a big step forward thanks to the club’s work with S.A.M.S.A.H La Traboule.
Over the course of the last four years, Arthur has made sure to attend ASVEL’s One Team sessions on a Wednesday and Saturday. When Arthur first started coming to these sessions, he was not in the best physical condition and struggled with a lot of social disturbances, which made it difficult for him to connect with the other participants. He was also deeply rooted in his daily routine, often repeating the same activities, with a lot of screen time and gaming.
Therefore, encouraging Arthur to start playing basketball was not the easiest of tasks, particularly as it would result in a change to his routine. To start with, he was initially accompanied by his existing structure in order to ensure a smooth transition into the program, with those in charge understanding the importance of adapting to his needs and abilities. Not long after, Arthur was able to integrate himself into the group and create a bond with the others; now, he is an important part of the setup and the club.
By partaking in basketball thanks to ASVEL and One Team, Arthur’s physical condition has improved significantly over the last four years. He has also built strong connections with the other participants, with real friendships being born. Such has been his enjoyment in the program that he has become a volunteer at ASVEL, supporting the One Team coaches during the teenagers’ session as an assistant coach. For Arthur, this role is very important for him, and he has had a marked improvement in his delivery to a young audience.
