Autistic Son Benched and Left Out of Team Huddles at Wright Brothers Basketball, Parent Speaks Up
Community members and local trainers offer support and resources to help the young players gain confidence and skills.
December 4, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 4, 2026
A parent is speaking out after her autistic son and another student were repeatedly excluded during Wright Brothers Basketball games.
Keshia Lee says she “lost it” after noticing that her son and another boy were made to stand apart from the team during huddles while the other players sat together to review plays.
According to her, the coach kept both boys separated from the group for the entire duration of each game.
Lee recalls the moment that pushed her to intervene. While the team gathered to discuss plays, her son and another player were instructed to stand apart, never included in the strategic conversations.
“Regardless of whether they play or not, it’s a team,” Lee said.
“You shouldn’t make those boys feel excluded because they’re not playing.”
She says the situation continued over the course of two games.
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The two boys were not subbed in at all, and neither was allowed to sit with the team in huddles.
The exclusion became so noticeable that even the man keeping score reportedly stepped in, inviting the boys to join the group.
Lee approached the coach for an explanation. She says he told her that her son is “standoffish during practice.”
Lee immediately clarified that her son is autistic and learns differently.
“If you don’t have the patience, then you shouldn’t have selected him,” she told the coach.
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She explained that although her son is high-functioning and does not rely on his diagnosis as a crutch, the coach should understand his learning style instead of using it against him.
Lee also revealed that this is her son’s first time participating in any sport, making the experience even more disheartening. Instead of encouragement, she says he received isolation.
The post sparked several responses from community members and local parents.
Many agreed that children’s sports should focus on teamwork, development, and inclusivity—not just winning.
“This is so inappropriate,” one commenter wrote.
“It’s a team sport. And it’s not the Olympics. Kids’ sports should teach them more than just how to play the game.”
Others offered support, expressing sympathy and providing suggestions for additional training opportunities.
Some recommended coaches and programs, including The Flyght Academy and local trainers known for working well with young athletes.
Lee hopes to find someone willing to help her son learn the game and build confidence.
“Long story short,” she wrote, “can someone work with my son in basketball?”
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