Raising awareness of Asperger’s Syndrome amongst coaches and athletes: the power of virtual support networks

摘要: The Virtual Alliance for sport technology (V.A.S.T) is an online tool utilised by a community of experts and practitioners to facilitate the generation sharing knowledge in order promote inclusion sport. principal aim present study was utilise this platform create evaluate teaching resource provide support coaches working with athletes Asperger’s Syndrome. At little information provided National governing bodies about Asperger’s, as consequence many can be marginalised sports provision. A methods-driven evaluative framework adopted assess impact web-tool. Gantt timelines programme theory were produced prior project, processes evaluated throughout. Website assessed via triangulation statistical analysis regarding website usage interviews conducted network users. Results interpreted using figurational investigate how web-tool disseminated transformed through virtual networks interdependencies which linked participants diagnosed Asperger syndrome, their community. Results gained from project are expected highlight web-based platforms have capability bring together otherwise groups experts, practitioners. implications these results will increase awareness syndrome within coaches, policy makers that enable them effectively teach athlete-centric manner.