Hidden Therapy Through Play: Functional Juggling with Children with Autism and Their Caregivers¶

Based on the work of Miłosz Goślicki*, circus educator and circus artist* in the Podbeskidzie** region of Poland,
written by Paulina Chodnicka,, Odskocznia Studio - Warsaw, Poland

Target Group¶

This program was designed for a small group of children with autism and their caregivers. Two groups participated in total - each composed of four children and their respective caregivers - creating a one-to-one dynamic that fostered trust, connection, and shared learning.

Initial Context¶

Miłosz Goślicki is a professional circus artist and workshop leader with years of experience in movement-based education. However, in terms of Functional Juggling (FJ), he was just beginning his journey - having recently completed a training with Craig Quat.

Circus pedagogy remains relatively unfamiliar in the Podbeskidzie region of Poland. Hoping to change that, Miłosz reached out to the President of the National Autism Society (Bielsko-Biała branch) and organized an open session for local therapists. The response was immediate and heartfelt - one participant remarked, “It was the first time in a long while that I genuinely had fun.”

Project Goals¶

The primary aims of the workshops were:

To offer rehabilitative experiences through movement and coordination
To create joyful, meaningful interactions between children and their caregivers
To integrate Functional Juggling into local therapeutic practice through demonstration and collaboration

Setting and Tools¶

Workshops took place indoors, with two Juggle Boards set up on tables and open space for movement exploration.
Props included:

Juggle Boards
Rings, juggling balls, and bags
Balloons
Hula hoops
Spinning plates
Flower sticks

The space was arranged for flexibility - participants could move freely or stay close to their caregiver as needed. This allowed each child to find their own rhythm and level of engagement.

Workshop Process¶

The program ran for six months, with biweekly 1-hour sessions. In retrospect, one hour proved a bit long - especially for children who arrived tired after a full day of school and therapy. Based on this, Miłosz now recommends shorter 40-minute sessions for children on the autism spectrum, to avoid overstimulation and maintain focus.

In the first four months, sessions followed exercises learned in training with Craig Quat and Jael Rodríguez (Hula Hoop Integral). Activities included juggle boards, rings, and collaborative tasks. Once this foundation was in place, Miłosz introduced customized games and themed variations, such as balloons and playful improvisations based on the group’s energy and needs.

A key element was the active participation of caregivers. Every session was designed as a shared experience - not only to support the children but also to strengthen bonds between parents and children through play and co-regulation.

Organizational Dynamics¶

Each group of eight participants (four children aged 7 to 14, plus four caregivers) was guided by Miłosz as the sole facilitator. While there were no additional assistants, the deep involvement of parents created a co-supported learning environment.

A beautiful and unexpected outcome was the level of integration that unfolded. Parents engaged with each other, with staff, and most importantly - with their children in new and joyful ways.

Even beyond the sessions, parents formed a WhatsApp group, remained in touch, and began attending community events together. Though modest in size, this network continues to thrive organically. The sense of community-building - so central to contemporary circus culture - took root naturally here.

Unexpected Observations¶

While the original plan was for biweekly sessions, occasional longer pauses between meetings actually proved helpful. Families used the breaks to process and rest, returning with renewed energy.

Miłosz also received inquiries from an inclusive kindergarten and a local library interested in offering similar workshops. Most importantly, the experience gave him the confidence to begin working with children under 7 - something he hadn’t considered before discovering Functional Juggling.

Results and Reflections¶

Parents shared enthusiastic feedback, noting visible improvements in:

Coordination (especially use of the non-dominant hand)
Physical engagement and motivation
Willingness to participate in movement-based play

A conversation with the President of the Autism Society revealed a deeper insight: many children are overburdened. Their schedules are packed with school, therapy, and appointments, leaving little room for joy. The word “therapy” alone can feel heavy. What she valued most about Functional Juggling was that it felt like “hidden therapy.” The children didn’t feel like they were working - they were simply “throwing things with the juggling guy.” And yet, real developmental outcomes were happening.

These included:
* Sensory integration
* Social skill development
* Physical coordination
* Expressive movement and creative play

Miłosz believes the method also touches on art therapy, especially when rhythm, drawing, or music are added. As participants begin to internalize the patterns, expression becomes intuitive.

Key Takeaways¶

Strong points

High adaptability across age and cognitive needs
Genuine caregiver–child bonding
Community engagement beyond sessions
Meaningful participation without pressure

Lessons learned

Session length must be tailored to avoid fatigue
Scheduling and pacing are critical for long-term inclusion

Final Reflection¶

After a year of applying the method, one truth stands out: Functional Juggling is genuinely inclusive. Its inherent flexibility and responsiveness allow for deep personalization - whether a participant is highly active, non-verbal, easily overwhelmed, or slow to warm up. With the right rhythm and relationship, everyone can find their own way to participate.

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