A specialist, internationally-acclaimed martial arts programme designed exclusively for children on the autism spectrum. Small classes. Big results. Every child deserves to thrive.
Gavin explains what Spectrum Skillz means to him and what your child can expect.
🤖 AI Avatar of Gavin Cook · 5th Dan Black Belt
Spectrum Skillz™ is an internationally-acclaimed, specialist programme that introduces specialised skill-based training for children who are on the autism spectrum, or who experience physical, intellectual, social or emotional limitations.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by impaired communication and social interaction. Children with ASD tend to have average or above-average intelligence — but the communication difficulties that come with ASD can directly impact learning, because language skills are often underdeveloped.
The Spectrum Skillz programme uses game-based learning as a tool to develop missing skills — helping with language development, concentration, focus and social confidence in a safe, structured and fun environment.
The best thing about this programme is that it helps develop the child as a whole — a place where many other programmes fall short.
Every drill, every exercise and every interaction is designed with the specific needs of children on the spectrum in mind — by experts who understand ASD from the inside out.
Spectrum Skillz was created to address the four key areas where children on the spectrum often need the most support.
Your child shows developmental delays. They may not always respond when called. Sometimes they flap their hands, rock their body or spin in circles — and structured movement can feel overwhelming.
Your child gives unrelated answers to questions, or repeats words and phrases over and over. They use few gestures and find it difficult to follow multi-step instructions or focus on new topics.
No matter what you do, it can be hard to comfort your child when they're stressed. They avoid eye contact, prefer to play alone and find group activities confusing or overwhelming.
Your child gets upset by minor changes but struggles to talk about their feelings. They may have meltdowns or become aggressive at times — and traditional classes can make this worse, not better.
If any of these sound familiar, Spectrum Skillz was designed with your child in mind. Our small, specialist classes provide the structure, patience and expertise your child needs to flourish.
Register Your Interest TodayEach programme is tailored to the specific developmental stage of the child — with a strict maximum of 8 children per class to ensure every child receives the individual attention they deserve.
At this age, children on the spectrum are developing their ability to follow instructions, engage with peers and manage sensory input. Our Junior Spectrum classes provide a calm, structured and predictable environment where your child can build foundational skills at their own pace.
Older children on the spectrum face unique challenges — social pressure, increased academic demands and the complexities of adolescence. Our Senior Spectrum classes build resilience, self-regulation and independence in a safe, non-judgemental space.
By understanding the specific needs of children on the spectrum, the Spectrum Skillz programme has identified eight fundamental skills that form the foundation of every class. Every drill, game and activity is designed to develop one or more of these skills simultaneously.
Developing body awareness, spatial awareness and awareness of others in the environment.
Learning to focus on the details of a task — breaking down complex movements into manageable steps.
Watching and learning from others — building the ability to observe, process and replicate.
Active listening skills — following verbal instructions and responding appropriately to communication.
Building verbal and non-verbal communication skills through structured, game-based activities.
Improving working memory and the ability to retain and recall information across sessions.
Building physical and mental stamina — the ability to persist through challenges without shutting down.
Developing a growth mindset — the belief that effort leads to improvement, and that trying again matters.
Spectrum Skillz is not a traditional martial arts class with autism adaptations bolted on. It is a programme built from the ground up around the specific cognitive and developmental profile of children on the spectrum.
Children with ASD may overreact or underreact to sensory stimuli. Our classes are designed to be low-stimulation and predictable — reducing sensory overwhelm so children can focus on learning.
Children with ASD often struggle with organising, planning and problem-solving. Every class follows a consistent, predictable structure that supports executive functioning development over time.
SKILLZ uses game-based learning as its primary teaching tool — because play is the natural language of children. Games create motivating, low-pressure opportunities to develop language, attention and social skills.
Since ASD affects communication, it affects cognitive development. Every Spectrum Skillz activity is designed to create natural, motivating opportunities to develop language skills and attention simultaneously.
The small class size (maximum 8) means every child gets individual attention and the chance to practise peer interaction in a safe, structured and supported environment — without the overwhelm of a large group.
Spectrum Skillz develops children across all four domains simultaneously — physical, intellectual, emotional and social. This is what sets it apart from programmes that focus on only one area at a time.
Every child receives individual attention and support. Small class sizes are not just a preference — they are a requirement of the Spectrum Skillz programme.
Gavin holds specialist Spectrum Skillz certification. This is not a mainstream class with minor adaptations — it is a dedicated, purpose-built programme.
Spectrum Skillz is part of the globally recognised SKILLZ Worldwide curriculum — used by specialist instructors across the world to support children on the spectrum.
Every class follows the same consistent format. Predictability reduces anxiety and allows children to focus on learning rather than managing uncertainty.
We know how important it is to find the right fit. Your child's first taster session is completely free — no commitment, no pressure, no kit required.
Every child is welcomed exactly as they are. There is no judgement, no pressure and no expectation to perform. Just a safe space to grow at their own pace.
"My little boy absolutely loves every session. He's come on so much in confidence and focus — his teacher has even commented on the improvement at school. Cannot recommend enough!"
"My daughter's confidence and coordination have completely transformed since joining. Gavin is brilliant with the kids — patient, encouraging and really knows how to get the best out of them."
"My son was 5 when he started and was hooked from lesson one. He's now so much more focused and disciplined — and he absolutely loves it. Best thing we ever did!"
Everything you need to know about how Spectrum Skillz supports children on the autism spectrum — compiled into one free guide. Written by child development experts and SKILLZ instructors.
Our specialist Spectrum Skillz programme is now open in Pocklington — every Wednesday at The Masonic Hall. Small classes of maximum 8 children, designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum aged 7–14.
All Spectrum Skillz students are required to complete a short pre-evaluation form before their first session. This is sent to you after booking and takes just a few minutes to complete. It helps Gavin understand each child's individual needs, sensory preferences and communication style — so every child gets exactly the right support from their very first class.
Spaces are strictly limited to 8 per class. Book your free taster today to secure your child's place.
Book FREE Taster — Spectrum Skillz Pocklington →