Case Study Details: Kia
Age: 5
Diagnosis: Autism Level 2 + suspected ADHD
Support Ratio: 1:3 (Karate Foundations)
Current Level: White Belt Yellow Tip (with additional visual supports and adjusted grading criteria)
Student Profile:
Kia is a bubbly and talkative 5-year-old girl with an ASD2 diagnosis and suspected ADHD traits. She is extremely socially motivated and loves helping others but struggles with processing speed, auditory filtering, and staying on task. Kia can become dysregulated quickly if instructions are unclear or if she feels she has done something wrong. She uses echolalia at times and often repeats class instructions to herself to process them. She has a strong imagination and enjoys role-play, often pretending to be a teacher or superhero. Her motor coordination is emerging but still developing, especially for movements requiring bilateral coordination or core stability. Kia is highly affectionate with instructors and peers, and sometimes hugs or follows them too closely, unaware of
personal space.
Kia works well when:
• Routines are predictable
• Instructions are broken down with visuals or modelled actions
• She is allowed to “teach” or demonstrate to peers
Reflections - Engagement & Predictability:
• What parts of the class routine might be most comforting or familiar to Kia? How can you help anchor her to these?
• How might you give her small “teaching” roles that support engagement but don’t distract her or the group?
• How can you visually support Kia to know “what’s next”?
Reflections - Behaviour & Redirection:
• If Kia becomes upset after making a mistake, how could you validate her feelings while guiding her back to learning?
• What gentle physical or visual cues could help with her tendency to stand too close or touch instructors/peers?
Reflections - Instruction, Adaptation & Communication:
• How can you simplify instructions for Kia without losing the meaning of the technique?
• What role might imitation and echoing play in Kia’s learning?
Reflections - Motor Skills & Karate Techniques:
• What movements might be especially tricky for Kia based on her developmental profile?
• How can you adjust these to support bilateral (left and right) coordination and confidence?
Reflections - Personal Support & Growth:
• What strengths do you bring that might help Kia feel confident and included?
• What do you need to learn more about Kia’s diagnosis, communication style, or regulation needs?
