Dr. Karen Collins (@KC_UNH) is an associate professor of Kinesiology (Sport Studies) at University of New Hampshire. Collins research often focuses around coaching athletes with learning disabilities (such as ADHD) and the practical implications her findings have for coaches.

In this video, Collins talks about how parents of athletes can tell the coach about their kid’s learning disability. When developing effective coaching strategies for the athlete with a learning disability, establishing positive relationships and open communication between the coach, players, and parents is key. If appropriate, parents can inform the coach about their kid’s 504 or IEP plan, which helps the coach, but this may be ineffective without a positive relationship.