'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism

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The last few posts have mentioned the exhibit ‘Artistic. Autistic. A Life Ahead’, a multimedia art exhibit that was on display at Johns Hopkins University’s Montgomery County campus (in Rockville, Maryland) last year. Another individual whose work was part of this exhibit, sponsored by Madison House Autism Foundation, was Christopher M. Gauthier…

…Evidence and Artifacts: Facing Autism is a long-term photographic project documenting the growing number of individuals, families and invested teachers, therapists, advocates, doctors and researchers on the front lines fighting the debilitating characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. Facing Autism is both a call to action, and a way to honor those who are rising to the challenge autism presents everyday.

…We began this project in a desire to move past merely raising awareness about autism to taking an active role in shaping the national dialogue about the role the environment plays in human health and development. The Facing Autism portraits compel the viewer’s engagement, and demand a sensitive visual inquiry of the individual faces. In the act of looking, the viewer may experience a sense of being ‘seen’ by the children, in their delight and anguish; ‘seen’ by the fierce and loving families in their grief and hope; ‘seen’ by the teachers and therapists in their commitment to the notion that all children can learn; ‘seen’ by the compassionate medical professionals in their search for ways to relieve human suffering and ‘seen’ by the scientific and academic research community who dare to raise disquiet in their pursuit of truth related to autism causation. This shift in perception reduces the chance of exploiting ‘poster children’ to gain political currency, exposing those with power to the collective gaze of expectation by the autism community…

Here is a link to a video of a presentation by Gauthier: Evidence and artifacts: facing autism: Christopher M. Gauthier at TEDxUSU - YouTube

(source: The Facing Autism Project | Christopher M. Gauthiér)

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There have already been a number of posts relating to the topic of Autism and Architecture, the latest being on Cathy Purple Cherry. Simon Humphreys is a British architect who has personal experience with the Autism Spectrum–having lived for many years with his late brother, Mark, who was Autistic. Humphreys has been involved in the design of a new Autism centre in the United Arab Emirates…

…The Abu Dhabi Autism Centre …will have soothing lighting, simple rooms and an uncomplicated layout to help the children stay calm and focused, said the British architect Simon Humphreys.
“When you approach a building for autism you really start from the point of restraint,” said Mr Humphreys.
“It’s very easy to put in too many things, too much colour, too much stimulation.”
…The Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs approached Mr Humphreys several years ago about the autism centre in Abu Dhabi, a government-run programme. In 2009, they chose him to design the centre in Al Muroor.
He worked closely with the centre’s director, Aysha Al Mansouri…

An image of the new Abu Dhabi Autism Centre can be viewed via the following link: http://www.autismsocietycanada.ca/DocsAndMedia/Other_Docs/Simon_Humphreys-profile.pdf

(source: Architecture shapes way special-needs pupils learn - The National)

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The subject of the last post was the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre in the United Arab Emirates. In nearby Dubai, Koschany + Zimmer Architekten KZA (KZA) was the Essen, Germany-based architectural practice responsible for designing the local Autism centre…

…Having been awarded first prize in the preceding competition in 2005, KZA as the structural planner worked with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to develop a therapy and education center for autistic children in Dubai. The client is the Dubai Autism Center under the patronage of Sheikh Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Construction work on the 16-million-euro project started in August 2008 on a generously-proportioned and centrally-located site right in the middle of the traditional school district, Al Garhoud.

…“The construction of this center is in response to the need in the Arabian metropolis for therapeutic and educational facilities,” says Christina Maas, the KZA architect responsible for the design.

…The construction challenge–to design a building for autistic children that was both functional and visually attractive–was no small challenge for KZA. In the building, the children are taught about elements of everyday life, such as social behavior, perception and communication. The aim is to actively work against any significant impairment of the autistic person’s daily life. An intensive examination of the needs of autistic children formed the basis of a clearly-structured and balanced architectural concept. Large spatial structures, curved lines and colorful, child-friendly accents set the tone of the architectonic concept.
“It was really important to us to do justice to the needs of autistic children. We achieved this by using soothing, almost soft architectural lines, as many private ‘retreat’ areas as possible, and green, very shaded outdoor spaces,” summarizes Christina Maas…

Here is a link to an image of the completed nonprofit Dubai Autism Center: Dubai Autism Center by Koschany + Zimmer Architekten KZA

(source: http://www.i-r-m.com/images/stories/CS/Case_Studies_Allplan_Architektur_all/Autism_Center_Dubai.pdf)

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The last couple of posts have focused on Autism centres in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2001, the Dubai Autism Center (DAC) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders…

…The Dubai Autism Centre has today emerged as an unmitigated success that defies its humble origins, and its present premises on Al Diyafah Street, off Al Satwa, houses 48 autistic children with more than 219 on the waiting list.

A team of 63 staff, including 30 special educators and 12 therapists, help the children and their parents to cope with the condition, and also provide children with the care and therapy they need.

A new purpose-built facility for the DAC, which will accommodate 150 children, will be finished shortly…

…DAC works not just for autism but for special needs in general. One of our mandates is to participate in all the book fairs in the UAE and translate books on autism for Arabic and English readers. We secured permission from Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of Shaikh Mohammad, and planned to give certificates in her name to the people doing exceptional work. Thus was born the Princess Haya Award for Special Education in 2008, and we are now in our third instalment…

Here is a link to a video on how assistive technologies are being used to help Autistic children communicate and develop language skills at the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai-based Autism Center Innovates with Microsoft Accessibility Tools - YouTube

(source: Improving the lives of children with autism | GulfNews.com)

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The last few posts have focused on Autism centres in the United Arab Emirates. The Fourth Annual Autism Around The World Conference 2013 was just held last month at Dubai’s Zayed University. The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Behaviour Intervention and Autism’…

…The [theme] will bring together experts within the field of Behavioral therapy, the most effective and researched method for treatment of Autism together with professionals in the field of special education, Behavioral therapy and families of children affected with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental delays. This year conference will address the full range of behavior Modification techniques. The main focus of this year’s speakers will be to discuss the essential for successful inclusive schooling, communication and social skills building. Our program this year is comprehensive with many hands on workshops being provided in English and in Arabic to give the parent, professional, teacher, or caregiver- the necessary skills to implement new strategies at home, at schools, and in the natural environment.
…Child Early Intervention Medical Center was established in 2008 and our Applied Behavioural Analysis program had helped many children to be included in mainstream schools and nurseries, some children are included without the need of a learning support…

Here is a link to a short video made for the 2011 edition of the Autism Around The World Conference held in the same location (where the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based nonprofit, Prince Salman Center for Disability Research, was a key partner): Autism Around The World Conference 2011 INTRO - YouTube

(source: ME NewsWire | Middle East News Wire - Autism Around the World 2013)

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Posts in the past week have focused on Autism centres and events in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Canadian University of Dubai hosted, in April of last year, the fourth international Conference on Networked Digital Technology (NDT). Among the tutorials and workshops that were held on the fringes of the event was a workshop dedicated to developments in technology and software for Autistic children. This workshop was held for UAE organisations, including the nonprofit Dubai Autism Centre.

Another event hosted early last year at the Canadian University of Dubai tried to raise awareness about Autism in the Emirates by showcasing the talents of one special individual–12-year-old UAE national, Mohammad Khalifa…

…This initiative came from one of our students at the School of Architecture and Interior Design, Ms. Sara Bintamim. She was drawn to this cause by her chance meeting of [Mohammad Khalifa], who is autistic and displays a phenomenal talent in architectural design. Ms. Sara showcased Mohammed previous projects that he has been working on, and also shared her motivation to get involved in raising awareness of Autism in the Emirates. Also present at the event, were Ms. Sara Baker, Community Service Unit Head of the Dubai Autism Centre, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum. We would like to our extend our thanks to all who attended and especially to our student…

Here is a link to some television footage focusing on Mohammad Khalifa and the above-mentioned event: City 7TV- 7 National News- Feature Report- 21 February 2012- Dubai Autism Awareness - YouTube

(sources: http://www.ameinfo.com/worlds-experts-gather-canadian-university-dubai-297873; The Canadian University of Dubai Hosts Autism Awareness Event | Canadian University of Dubai)

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Posts in the past week have focused on Autism centres and events in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including the nonprofit organisation, the Dubai Autism Centre.

In recent years, the Switzerland-based Lyoness Child & Family Foundation (CFF) supported the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) in its holistic therapy methods, by providing new equipment and furniture such as beds, mattresses and a training kitchen needed for the expansion of the Centre. The CFF is a nonprofit organisation that supports measures in the field of education under the main theme of ‘education for all’, by constructing schools in socially and economically deprived regions of the world…

…The CFF was able to learn more about the DAC during the course of a visit.

The Lyoness Child & Family Foundation was able to get a more personal insight to the work done by the DAC when they got to know the team of professionals behind the great work. It was interesting to know that the DAC not only looks after children with Autism but it also involves the children’s family members. With this approach, the DAC insures the children’s and teenager’s long-term integration into the community…

Here is a link to a video on the above-mentioned project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpY3cvEIRt8

(source: CFF National Project, United Arab Emirates | Lyoness.TV)

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The topic of yesterday’s post was the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation’s support of the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC). The Switzerland-based nonprofit has also assisted Special School Number 2 in Ploiesti, Romania. The students there have mental challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorders.
A few years ago Romania had a campaign, ‘Together We Fight Autism’, which represented a national initiative for awareness raising and fundraising–it focused on care and recovery of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders…

…The goal [of the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation’s project in Ploiesti] was to equip the training kitchen with furniture and necessary electrical goods. The purpose of this training kitchen is to teach the disabled children and adolescents how to be as independent as possible as well as basic knowledge about cooking and household management, and to strengthen the community at the same time (Autonomy, independence, running their own household, encouraging the ability to work and to learn).
Also a minibus was provided for Special School Nr. 2 to bring the children and adolescents to activities which are part of their education, as well as to leisure activities and sports events. Being able to take part in these external activities will support the students in their integration into the community…

Here is a link to a video on the project mentioned in the above quote: Preparation for Life - Romania - Lyoness Child & Family Foundation - YouTube

(sources: http://www.raa.ro/en/portfolio/finished-projects/together-we-fight-autism-awareness-and-fundraising-campaign-for-autistic-children.html; CFF National Project, Romania | Lyoness.TV)

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Yesterday’s post was on the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation’s assistance of Special School Number 2 in Ploiesti, Romania.

Earlier this year, Lyoness Child & Family Foundation (CFF) staff in Florida reopened the newly renovated Broward Children’s Center with one newly furnished additional therapy room. The Broward Children’s Center is a Pompano Beach, Florida-based nonprofit which aims to help infants, children, and young adults who have special health care needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The organisation was a partner in the Autism Awareness open house, held in April 2010, at Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Station #28–an event that offered an opportunity for families who are affected by Autism to learn more about local resources available to them…

…The goal [of the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation’s renovation] is to create an additional space for school education, therapies and social contacts. The focus is on the installation of hurricane proof windows, clear access to facilities and implementation of holistic therapies. These improvements should strengthen the independence and make a self-determined life possible for its beneficiaries…

Here is a link to a video on the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation’s renovation project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyxW8i8Ct8I

(sources: http://sheriff.org/posts/post.cfm?id=5591f72f-d30d-4e6f-b4c2-d2bc39864a4f; USA I - Detail| Lyoness Child & Family Foundation)

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Yesterday’s post mentioned the Broward Children’s Center in Pompano Beach, Florida. This is a nonprofit organisation which aims to help infants, children, and young adults who have special health care needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Staying in the same area, South Florida Autism Charter Schools, Inc. (SFACS) is a nonprofit organisation whose mission is to provide education and services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders residing in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties…

…We target students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who have communication deficits and/or behavioral challenges, and who may require training in self-help skills. The methodologies of B.F. Skinner’s Theory of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) are applied in conjunction with Florida Sunshine State Standards for students on a modified curriculum in order to provide the most effective individualized educational programs possible. …We are presently serving students enrolled in K to 9th grade, with plans to expand by one grade level each year until we are serving students in K to 12th. SFACS offers Autism Community Workshops free of charge. In the future we plan to expand our community outreach programs to offer services for the entire demographic of individuals diagnosed with autism, from newly diagnosed children to adults living with autism.

Here is a link to a video on the Miami metropolitan area-based South Florida Autism Charter Schools, Inc.: SFACS 2010 - YouTube

(source: South Florida Autism Charter Schools, Inc. @ SocialMiami.com)

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The last couple of posts have focused on Autism and special needs-related organisations in South Florida. The Miami metropolitan area, like all major cities in the United States and Canada, also hosts an annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks…

On Sunday, March 4 [2012] more than 20,000 people, including individuals with autism, their families and friends attended the 12th annual Miami-Dade County Walk Now for Autism Speaks at JC Bermudez Park in Doral, Florida. So far, the Walk raised more than $600,000, all of which will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally fund innovative autism research and family services, to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Miami and beyond.

The event kicked off with grand fanfare as DJ Gary Gore welcomed participants and kept them energized with dance performances from local studios Creative Praise and Trendz Dance Performance. ‘Zumba for Autism,’ led by Miami Lakes K-8 Center, got everyone warmed up and pumped with the popular workout. Touching performances from teens with autism included Daniel Vega, who moved the crowd with his awe-inspiring rendition of the National Anthem. Sophia Aprano and Joel Vazquez both sang solos and Nikolas Teodorobic sang ‘God Bless America.’

…Overall, the event was a success providing families and friends a chance to unite, make a difference for those affected by autism and help increase autism awareness one by one.

Here is a link to a short video on the ‘2008 Miami-Dade County Walk Now for Autism Speaks’: 2008 Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism - YouTube

(source: 2012 Miami Walk Now for Autism Speaks Recap | Walk Now for Autism Speaks Blog | Autism Speaks)

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The subject of the last post was the ‘Miami-Dade County Walk Now for Autism Speaks’. Another city that is part of the South Florida Metropolitan Area, which also hosts its own annual edition of the Walk Now for Autism Speaks, is West Palm Beach. This year’s version of the event was just held earlier this month…

Cold temperatures didn’t stop more than 7,000 people from gathering at Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach Sunday to support autism advocacy and research.

The Autism Speaks walk and run was full of supporters including Shelley Hendrix who spent Sunday trying to collect signatures.

“We are here to collect 188,000 petition signatures to ask President Obama and Congress to develop a federal comprehensive plan to address the needs of the autism community,” said Hendrix.

The Autism Speaks organization was founded in 2005 by Palm Beach residents Bob and Suzanne Wright, who have a grandson with autism.

“Awareness is our primary objective,” said Bob Wright, who along with his wife walked the 2.5-mile course along Flagler Boulevard. “We want to get a sense of community. That’s the problem with mental health. It becomes a personal issue and nobody talks about it. Getting all these families out here is a big deal.”

Here is a link to a video of the recently held ‘2013 Palm Beach, Florida Walk Now for Autism Speaks’ (proving that the annual fundraiser is still going strong ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LH5PC0j4Gs

(source: 7,000 brave the cold to support Autism Speaks | Palm Beach County News - WPBF Home)

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There have already been a number of surfing-related posts, for example on the organisations Surfer’s Healing and Surfers for Autism.

Another organisation that has hosted a surf camp for Autistic children is the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD). The Center is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Autism and related disabilities…

A television documentary in early 2008 inspired Julio Magrisso, Assistant Director for the city of Miami Beach Parks & Recreation Department, to pursue the idea of a surf camp for children with autism…

…The weeklong event also mixes in a curriculum that focuses on swimming skills, basic oceanography, meteorology, open-water surfing, and, most importantly, the children’s abilities.

The camp–now in its fifth year–has proven its success as parents witness the rewards for their children.

“It is so moving to see him on the board, and to see the look of fun and determination on his face,” says Hilda Mitrani, the mother of a camper. Mitrani admits she is in awe after seeing her son actually surf, and she realizes the importance of this milestone in his life.

…The camp provides a one-to-one supervision ratio, as each child has his or her unique challenges to which the instructor must adapt. In addition, the city’s Ocean Rescue Department allocates an area on the beach to accommodate the group.

“Watching these kids ride waves for the first time is an amazing feeling. It is so rewarding to see the smiles on their faces,” says Magrisso.

“At first, some seem fearful of trying something new, but our incredible city staff, the staff from CARD, and volunteers work hard to help the participants feel comfortable.”

The surf camp, which is made possible in part by the support of many local sponsors like Quiksilver, the Surf Rider Foundation, and the Autism Society of Miami-Dade County, is free to all participants…

Here is a link to a video of an earlier edition of a ‘UM-NSU CARD Surf Camp’ in Miami Beach: UM-NSU CARD Surf Camp Miami Beach - YouTube

(source: Ride The Wave | Northstar Publishing)

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The post from yesterday mentioned the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD). The Center is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Autism and related disabilities. Several months ago, CARD hosted ‘InSync with Autism,’ a free musical experience to bring together those touched by Autism…

…The concert features the Blues Brothers Soul Band and all children and young adults dressed in black will receive a free hat and shades. Enjoy an afternoon full of soul, rhythm, and blues.

Here is a link to a video of the Concert: UM-NSU CARD’s In-Sync with Autism featuring The Blues Brothers Soul Band - YouTube

(source: (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Hosts “Insync With Autism” Concert, Nov. 4 | NSU Newsroom))

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The last couple of posts have focused on the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD). The Center is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Autism and related disabilities. CARD’s major fundraising event is called ‘Tropical Nights’…

…[The 2012 event] raised more than $300,000 for the free programs, services, and research initiatives that aid nearly 6,500 individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them.
Almost 600 supporters attended the tenth annual event, held on May 12 at the InterContinental Miami.
This year three of UM-NSU CARD’s most loyal and generous supporters were honored. The 2012 Cruz-Whitehurst Advocacy Award went to Robert and Patricia Cambo, longtime community autism advocates and CARD supporters. Diane Adreon, founding director of UM-NSU CARD, received the CARD Community Leadership Award for her 19 years of service to the South Florida autism community. Michael Alessandri, executive director of UM-NSU CARD, also received an award.
…Live music for dancing was provided by Music by Varon. Eddie Cutillas from Bacardi USA was in attendance and generously provided a full bar for the guests. Handmade treats baked locally at Lee and Marie’s Cakery were given to each attendee as appreciation gifts. The auction committee helped secure nearly 200 items for the silent and live auction, including Miami Marlins and Miami Heat packages and vacation trips to Italy and the Caribbean. A Vespa and seven-day Royal Caribbean Cruise for two to Alaska was also raffled at the event. Kent Creative created a new UM-NSU CARD video, which was unveiled at the event…

Here is a link to the video mentioned at the end of the above passage: UM-NSU CARD 2012 - YouTube

(source: Tropical Nights | News Releases | University of Miami)

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Posts in the past week or so have focused on Autism and special needs-related organisations in the South Florida area. Moving towards the northern part of the State, the Chase Academy, Inc. is a private non-profit located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Academy, which was established in 2006, provides educational services specifically tailored to meet the individualised needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders–trying to maximise the students’ potential for inclusion into mainstream society. The Chase Academy holds fundraisers in the form of concerts and most recently a fun run…

On National Autism Day, Blues bands and musicians will come together to raise awareness and money for a local organization and school that helps kids with autism. The Chase Academy is the main sponsor and beneficiary of the Chasin’ the Blues Benefit Concert…

…The Chase Academy graduates students with mainstream diplomas that prepare for them to go beyond high school and become independent, contributing adults. …While state educational scholarships are available, they often do not cover the total costs, so fundraisers like this concert try to make up the difference, so that no student will be turned away.

Beyond that, the Chase Academy’s goal is to put Daytona on the map as supporting autism and seting an example to the rest of the world! On April 2 the Academy is asking local music fans to show their love and support – not only for the Blues but also for kids with autism…

Here is a link to a short video of the Chase Academy’s Field Trip To Deleon Springs State Park In Florida: Chase Academy - Deleon Springs State Park Florida - YouTube

(source: Daytona Blues Benefit on April 2 - Orlando Nightlife | Examiner.com)

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Yesterday’s post focused on the Chase Academy, Inc., a private non-profit located in Daytona Beach, Florida. In nearby Jacksonville, The Autism Society of North Carolina’s Onslow County Chapter and the Autism Skateboarding Foundation, or A.Skate, will offer a skateboarding event for children with Autism next month.

A.skate (which stands for ‘Autism: Skating with Kids through Acceptance Therapy and Education’) is an Alabama-based nonprofit whose goal is to teach kids with Autism to skateboard and teach awareness to a demographic that might not otherwise know about Autism…

…For as many skateboarders as there are in the world, our community is quite small. The world got a little smaller when [longtime Eastern Skateboard Supply sales representative, John Pike] found out that the girlfriend of Faith Skate Supply owner Peter Karvonen has a 7-year-old daughter with autism named Sasha. Pike has been Karvonen’s sales rep for 14 years now. Since both have a connection to autism, it began to click together. Before long, Karvonen’s girlfriend – Chrys Worley – and Pike had teamed to form the non-profit 501c3 organization, A.Skate, dedicated to raising awareness about autism in the skateboard community.

…It is believed skateboarding and board sports are a good fit for autistic kids because they are not social creatures. “The reason autism and skateboarding fit is you don’t need a coach or a team,” Pike explains. “You can skateboard on your own. What’s great about skaters is that they’re an eclectic group of people that are accepting of all different demographics of people. Our kids are different, and we know they will be accepted into this society and they’ll have fun.”

It’s been proven hundreds of times over with every skate clinic A.Skate offers along the Eastern seaboard. “Peter put Sasha on a board one day and it just worked. She was instantly happy,” Worley remembers. Ever since, Worley has been getting autistic kids together every weekend in places all over the Southeast. A.Skate clinics give kids a chance to try skateboarding out. The sounds and feel of a skateboard calm many of them and they’re drawn to it. Most kids are first-timers and just sit down and cruise on their butts but the joy is evident at all stages.

Worley boasts A.Skate’s success rate.

“We have yet to have even one child that doesn’t respond well to the clinics,” she said. “Hundreds of kids … and every one of them has had a positive experience. There is one tiny child in the Veteran’s Park video that Peter was skating with and [the child] was talking up a storm. At the end of the video you can hear him saying, “Again! Again!” His mom told us he hadn’t spoken in five months prior to that. It is therapeutic for them. I wouldn’t know the child had little to no language if his mom hadn’t told me because he didn’t stop talking the whole time Peter was working with him.”…

Here is a link to a video on the work of A.Skate in Cork, Ireland (A.skate holds a clinic there, at Touchwood Skatepark, every last Sunday of the month): Askate Foundation Cork.mov - YouTube

(sources: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20130312/ARTICLES/130319879; A perfect fit - ESPN)

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The subject of the last post was the Autism Skateboarding Foundation, or A.Skate. A.Skate (which stands for ‘Autism: Skating with Kids through Acceptance Therapy and Education’) is an Alabama-based nonprofit whose goal is to teach kids on the Autism Spectrum to skateboard and teach awareness to a demographic that might not otherwise know about Autism. A.Skate has established successful programs across the United States and in Ireland serving over 4,000 children with Autism each year. ‘Heart Child’ is a recently-made documentary film about 29-year-old Crys Worley, the founder of the A.skate Foundation and mother of nine-year-old child on the Spectrum, Sasha…

…Who is Chrys Worley? She is a mother you NEED to meet. She’s a single working mom raising two kids, Sasha (who is autistic) and Fallon. She realized early on that Sasha is drawn to skateboarding and that other kids like him may respond to this creative and athletic outlet. It turns out, she was right and A.Skate was born. The organization’s mission is unique: “Skating with kids through acceptance, therapy and education.” People that skateboard understand this. Skateboarding is certainly therapeutic.

…“Kids with autism are amazing… they don’t let life pass them by,” says Chrys. Sasha is fascinated by car washes, and Chrys encourages this hobby, even taking him to receive an award from a national car wash organization. She does this because it brings Sasha bliss. Chrys doesn’t let autism stop Sasha from experiencing life.

If you haven’t seen Heart Child, please, please, please figure out a way to make it happen. It got its start on Kickstarter and the enthusiasm is infectious. It’s important that people see it. Why? You will be in awe at Chry’s resiliency despite constant setbacks. It really empowered me to find the strength at the end of a long day, even when it is seemingly nonexistent. What would life be like without challenges? You will watch Chry’s composure and determination and feel enlivened.

If you haven’t heard of Heart Child there is a good reason why. It’s a completely independent film, and as such, is working within the parameters of an extremely low budget. It’s a lot like the organization that it is profiling: scrappy, full of heart and pure love at its core…

Here is a link to a trailer on the documentary, ‘Heart Child’: HEARTCHILD Trailer - YouTube

(source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eva-glettner/skateboarding_b_2251604.html)

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The subject of the last two posts was the Autism Skateboarding Foundation, also known as A.Skate (which stands for ‘Autism: Skating with Kids through Acceptance Therapy and Education’).

On Saturday, August 28, 2010, the Soapstone Gallery in midtown New York City hosted over 30 artists who transformed raw skateboards into one of a kind works of art. All pieces were on sale–with a portion of each sale donated to Autism Speaks, the world’s largest Autism advocacy organisation…

…Organized and conceptualized by Laurie Markiewicz and Peter Pabon, both Laurie and Peter have a common love for skateboarding, art and most of all their children Jack and Loana. Jack and Loana were both diagnosed with PDD-NOS(a non-specified type of autism) in their early preschool years. It has been Laurie and Peter’s mission to raise autism awareness and advocate for more programs and services for families within the NYC autism community. “Across The Board” is one way of achieving their goal. …veteran as well as emerging artists give voice not only to autism awareness, but to relevant community issues. “Across The Board” is an open discussion, but a dialogue that is ultimately designed to create a greater urgency about Autism…

Here is a link to a video on the ‘Across the Board Project’: ACROSS THE BOARDS ARTIST FOR AUTISM AWARENESS: BLOWHIPHOPTV.COM - YouTube

(source: http://friendswelove.com/blog/across-the-board/)

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My last few posts have focused on the subject of Skateboarding and Autism.

In 2011, Daniel Houze and Blake Stassi, then both 15, skateboarded more than 450 miles along the California Coast to raise awareness, and money, for Autism. The teens hoped to raise money for Easter Seals–a nonprofit organisation that assists more than one million children and adults with Autism and other disabilities and special needs annually through a network of many service sites in the United States and elsewhere…

…The teens, from Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento, dreamed up the journey during winter break in December. Both teens have seen the impact of the autism spectrum disorder in their own families.

…Houze has a male cousin who is a 7 on the spectrum, meaning he’s introverted and is nearly non-communicative. Stassi’s cousin, who is about 10 years old, can function in school, but doesn’t communicate well.

The teens also love skateboarding and longboarding, in particular, because it’s smoother and faster. Stassi’s been riding since he was 13. Houze started a year ago at his friend’s urging. They thought combining their athletic passion with their desire to help others could generate results.

“Autism came first,” Houze emphasized. “We wanted to think of something we could do to benefit our community.”…

Here is a link to photos from the 2011 ‘Elevate Awareness: Longboarding for Autism’ trip: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.125836754188423.20037.125827850855980&type=1

(sources: On an Epic Journey, Teens Longboard the California Coast - Watsonville, CA Patch; Elevate Awareness: Longboarding for Autism – SkateFurther)