May 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 36

SOCIAL EQUITY

Riding the Waves of Fun
A surf camp designed for kids with autism is a big hit in South Florida
By Jacqueline Gonzalez

I

n the spring of 2008, the City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD), a
comprehensive outreach and support program serving people with autism and
related disabilities, and hosted their first surf camp for children with autism
spectrum disorder.

Now in its sixth year, the camp was
formed to provide a therapeutic surfing
experience for children with autism,
which could limit their ability to otherwise embark on such an opportunity.
This unique and exciting camp, free to
all participants, opened its doors to 12
campers ranging from eight to 12 years
of age with high-functioning autism,
pervasive developmental disorder or
Asperger syndrome.
Parents and camp instructors attest to an increase in self-esteem
among participants, who also benefit through the opportunity to inter34

Parks & Recreation

act with others. Some children who
display repetitive behaviors and/
or anxiety seem to be calmed by
the ocean, which can allow for increased attention and focus.
" The reason we do this camp is to
really show the rest of the world that
kids with autism, and kids with any
disability, really are more 'abled' than
they are disabled. And this is really just an opportunity for us to work
together with our other community
supporters and dispel myths, " says Dr.
Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., the executive director of UM-NSU CARD.

| M AY 2 0 1 3 | W W W. N R PA . O R G

Every year, participants experience an educational and fun week
with a unique curriculum that focuses on swimming skills, basic oceanography, meteorology, open-water
surfing and, most importantly, the
children's abilities.
Due to the program's success and
in the continuing efforts to enhance
the program, the City of Miami
Beach and UM-NSU CARD have
decided to expand by organizing surf
clinics that will include teens with
varying levels of autism, with the
hopes of repeating these co-ed clinics
every other month.
To learn more, visit www.miami
beachparks.com or call 305.673.7730.
Jacqueline Gonzalez is the Public
Information Specialist with the City of Miami
Beach Parks and Recreation
(JacquelineGonzalez@miamibeachfl.gov).



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