AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
A FATHER who became an autism campaigner after his son was asked to leave a London theatre, has set up a school for autistic would-be surfers.
Glyn Morris has campaigned to give people with autism access to social and recreational activities since 2011, when his 16 year old son Gregor was asked to leave the Apollo Victoria theatre by a sound engineer.
He has now teamed up with Kev Anderson, instructor and owner of Riding High surf school, to launch a new initiative, although Gregor, who doesn't like water splashing near his face, will not benefit.
However the organisers believe other children with autism will have fun and gain social skills through surfing. A launch session saw five children aged between six and 17 from Moray and Nairn taking part in lessons on Lossiemouth beach on the Moray Firth.
The scheme is backed by the National Autistic Society (NAS) and lessons will also be available to adults.
Angela Drummond’s 11-year-old son, Grant, took part in the first surf lesson. Angela, from Portsoy, said: “It was absolutely brilliant. I haven’t seen Grant enjoy himself so much for quite some time.
“He was a bit wobbly at first and didn’t want to go in the sea – it was very cold – but the instructor was great with him. And once he was in the water, there was no going back. I think it worked so well because it is a sport he can do on his own, he was in control.
“We had a great day. All the kids of the beach were smiling from ear to ear.”
Mr Anderson said: “This is the first venture of its kind in Scotland, working alongside the NAS to offer surf lessons specifically tailored to people on the autism spectrum. The lessons will be sensitive to the needs of those taking part. For example, we’ll take plenty time to get used to the sensation of being in a wetsuit, and of course the temperature of the North Sea.
“Surfing can improve fitness, balance and confidence. It’s a very experiential sport, making it ideal for many people on the spectrum. On a calm day, gently paddling with dolphins in the distance is a deeply relaxing experience that can reduce anxiety. And of course, when the swell comes in, catching the speed of a clean wave in incredibly exhilarating.”
Mr Morris, a father-of-two and NAS Scotland volunteer from Forres, said: “It’s hard to understand until you’re out there, but when you’re surfing there’s a special focus on the board and the water. I thought that could really help someone who is on the spectrum to interact with others.
“My son, Gregor, doesn’t like the sensation of having water splashed in his face, so the surf school isn’t for him – but it will appeal to other autistic children, young people and adults. I want to help open the world up to people living with the condition, and give them a bit of an adventure.”
The Moray and Nairn voluntary branch of the NAS Scotland fundraised to buy equipment for the surf school which is offering lessons tailored for people with autism from across Scotland.
Jenny Paterson, director of the NAS Scotland, said: “We always seek to be innovative and courageous when developing new services and activities; the surf school is the perfect example of this.”
SOURCE: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13502621.Surf_school_is_swell_idea_for_autistic_kids/
A FATHER who became an autism campaigner after his son was asked to leave a London theatre, has set up a school for autistic would-be surfers.
Glyn Morris has campaigned to give people with autism access to social and recreational activities since 2011, when his 16 year old son Gregor was asked to leave the Apollo Victoria theatre by a sound engineer.
He has now teamed up with Kev Anderson, instructor and owner of Riding High surf school, to launch a new initiative, although Gregor, who doesn't like water splashing near his face, will not benefit.
However the organisers believe other children with autism will have fun and gain social skills through surfing. A launch session saw five children aged between six and 17 from Moray and Nairn taking part in lessons on Lossiemouth beach on the Moray Firth.
The scheme is backed by the National Autistic Society (NAS) and lessons will also be available to adults.
Angela Drummond’s 11-year-old son, Grant, took part in the first surf lesson. Angela, from Portsoy, said: “It was absolutely brilliant. I haven’t seen Grant enjoy himself so much for quite some time.
“He was a bit wobbly at first and didn’t want to go in the sea – it was very cold – but the instructor was great with him. And once he was in the water, there was no going back. I think it worked so well because it is a sport he can do on his own, he was in control.
“We had a great day. All the kids of the beach were smiling from ear to ear.”
Mr Anderson said: “This is the first venture of its kind in Scotland, working alongside the NAS to offer surf lessons specifically tailored to people on the autism spectrum. The lessons will be sensitive to the needs of those taking part. For example, we’ll take plenty time to get used to the sensation of being in a wetsuit, and of course the temperature of the North Sea.
“Surfing can improve fitness, balance and confidence. It’s a very experiential sport, making it ideal for many people on the spectrum. On a calm day, gently paddling with dolphins in the distance is a deeply relaxing experience that can reduce anxiety. And of course, when the swell comes in, catching the speed of a clean wave in incredibly exhilarating.”
Mr Morris, a father-of-two and NAS Scotland volunteer from Forres, said: “It’s hard to understand until you’re out there, but when you’re surfing there’s a special focus on the board and the water. I thought that could really help someone who is on the spectrum to interact with others.
“My son, Gregor, doesn’t like the sensation of having water splashed in his face, so the surf school isn’t for him – but it will appeal to other autistic children, young people and adults. I want to help open the world up to people living with the condition, and give them a bit of an adventure.”
The Moray and Nairn voluntary branch of the NAS Scotland fundraised to buy equipment for the surf school which is offering lessons tailored for people with autism from across Scotland.
Jenny Paterson, director of the NAS Scotland, said: “We always seek to be innovative and courageous when developing new services and activities; the surf school is the perfect example of this.”
SOURCE: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13502621.Surf_school_is_swell_idea_for_autistic_kids/
