AUTISTIC students enjoyed building their team and communication skills at LVS Hassock’s sports day.

More than 50 students at the school, for children aged eight to 19 with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, were put into groups to help them build skills as they tackled various sports together.

Among the sports at the school’s grounds at the Sayers Common school were discus, javelin, long jump, 100m sprint, cross-country race, obstacle course and tug of war.

The school hopes it will encourage students to take advantage of the benefits of healthy living and enjoy periods of focused physical exertion to assist them in maintaining a healthy body.

Children with autism often find communication with others and working as part of a team difficult but sports day helped them practice and develop these skills which are valuable life skills for their futures.

Team mates clapped and cheered and offered helpful advice to each other as they accumulated points towards their group totals for the respective countries they were representing.

Teacher Matt Vittey said: “The students did brilliantly.

“The idea was to provide a range of events that they could happily try surrounded by encouraging teammates and without pressure, but with the prospect of reward at the end.

“They were all engaged with the day and thoroughly enjoyed it. The confidence on their faces after completing events showed what a valuable day it was in their development.”