Special hockey players have a wide range of disabilities and abilities. Some have coexisting mobility or medical disorders, some only cognitive variations. Cognitive disorders may include variations of autism, Attention Deficit Disorder and intellectual disability.

It is useful at the beginning of each session to gather information from athletes and care givers about

• strengths
• areas to focus on
• signs of fatigue, discouragement or frustration
• advice on learning styles
• how best to encourage