Extracurricular Activities and Autism

We are very blessed indeed to have Abigail in our lives but also very blessed for the people that provide some "normalcy" to our daughter.  When Abigail was first diagnosed, I wondered if her childhood could possibly be "normal".  I wanted so desperately for her to have some typical childhood experiences.  I have been so lucky to have met some wonderful professionals who have given her these wonderful activities and given us a chance to see our daughter have some "normal" childhood experiences.

Abigail has some wonderful teachers.  They are more than willing to take her to school functions, like a band performance or assembly and the twice a year field trips.  The gym teacher at her school has let her class join the kindergarten class for some P.E. time.  I would not be able to thank them enough for allowing this inclusion for Curly.  They have gone above and beyond what is required for them and we are so grateful.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Miss Susan, Miss Amanda, and Miss Byerly.  You all deserve so much more praise than what you all receive.

About a year ago, we received an email about a gymnastics class for kids with special needs and autism.  We thought this would be such a great extracurricular activity for Abigail.  From the first class, Abigail has been in love.  Teacher Brooke and Teacher Monica have been so great with not only Abigail but all the other kids who have been in this class.  I appreciate their patience and their guidance during these classes.  It has meant so much to me that there is a place that Abigail can go and experience what other "typical" kids can experience.  There are very few places that accept a child with very low functioning autism.  I am so grateful that her teachers at gymnastics were so welcoming to us and so understanding. 

We have just started TopSoccer.  It is a class run by our local parks and recreation that is meant for special needs kids.  Abigail is the youngest and probably one of the most severe in the class.  It takes her much longer to learn a skill or to focus on a skill.  I am very grateful for the opportunity for Abigail to join in on this group.  The high school "buddies" that the program uses have been wonderful with Abigail and very patient.  It makes me so happy to see that a child with a lot of special needs can be included in a sport and learn new skills if given the time and the right guidance.

When Abigail was diagnosed, I didn't know what her childhood would look like.  I didn't know if she would be included in activities that all children do.  It makes me so happy to know that Abigail has seen some inclusion in her activities and has enjoyed those experiences.  No one will ever really know how much this means to me as her mother.  I will always be grateful to these people who went above and beyond the norm to help not only our family but all the other families of a special need child.