I have been meaning to reply to this thread but didn't have the time to compose the response I wanted.
My son has Asperger's, and there are certain things I ask for from his coaches. Every child is different, of course, but maybe some of these things will help you.
-My son usually cannot listen to verbal instructions and translate them to body movements. He needs not only a demonstration but also often someone to physically move his body the way the coach wants. Check with the parents, of course, but I always give DS's permission to "manhandle" my son, that is to take his leg and move it through the kick, or hold his shoulders and move him around on the field when practicing a play. Processing can be a challenge for some children with autism.
-Stick to the basics. Complex strategy is pretty rare with 2nd graders anyway, but try to limit this child to a few skills and positions. My DS almost always ends up playing midfielder because that position gets to move around a lot. He does not have to worry so much about what area of the field is his responsibility. He covers left, right, or center, but can move up and down the whole field, almost. Rotating through all the positions may not be the best move for this child.
-Whenever possible, speak quietly and directly to the child. Children with autism often respond better when the speaker looks directily at them and speaks directly to their face. But also be aware that people with autism often have diffculty looking BACK at the speaker--it's okay if this child keeps his eyes down at your mouth, your chest, or the ground. That does not mean he is not listening.
-Praise often, and be specific. (That's good for ALL kids.) But don't be fake.
-Expect that this child may not have good field awareness, and plan accordingly. (Another reason my DS plays midfielder--it's easier for other players to "cover" for him when necessary.)
Some things my DS's new coach has done very well with him:
-Encourages him. Shows confidence in him.
-Puts him in the position that is right in front of the coach's box. This may not apply at your level, but at DS's level, the coach has to stay in a certain small area. He put my DS in the midfield position right in front of him, so left midfielder for the first half, and then right midfielder for the second half, after they changed direction. That way my DS was always close to the coach so he could hear instructions more easily.
-Recognizes his strengths (and there aren't many--my DS is not athletic at all). In fact, this coach called out every single player for something specific, which I thought was fantastic. So-and-so was great at driving down the field, So-and-So was a great keeper, So-and-So stuck with his man, and so on.
-During half time, the coach took my DS aside and spoke directly to him, asking him how he was doing and encouraging him to stick it out. He also asked my DS whether he wanted to play 2 more quarters. My DS, who NEVER wants to play more than half a game, stayed in for 3 full quarters, same as everyone else. I was so proud of him, and so happy that his coach encouraged him in that way.
-Ask the parents for support and/or advice. They know their child best.
-Be aware that this child may need more reminders than others to stay focused and that it is not the child's fault. His brain is wired differently, and he just needs more support.
-Many children with autism are little narcissists-teamwork does not come naturally to them. So focusing on team building activities that don't necessarily have anything to do with soccer skills can be very beneficial.
Again, all children are different. This child's needs may not be similar to my DS's at all. But I hope some of the suggestions help. Like all kids, kids with autism just want to know that you care about them.
DS '04 "Boogaboo"
DD '08 "Lilybear"