Blazing the Trails for Kids with Autism
ByRobyn Schneider
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
By
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
He's 16 years old, tall, slim and handsome. A year ago he started running and now he runs a mile in 6 minutes and 30 seconds, competes in races all over
Alex and his twin brother Jamie, who also has autism and runs an 8:30 minute mile, run in competitive mainstream races throughout Long Island. They are able to do this with the help and dedication of the Rolling Thunder Running Club, where experienced runners volunteer their time providing 1-1 support to special needs kids in races all over the country.
When they first started, their coaches held their hands while running with them, not sure what to expect as both Alex and Jamie have limited language and self-injurious behavior that can oftentimes be unpredictable. Soon the coaches were able to let go and run with them side by side. Now, in just a little over one year, Alex and Jamie have run in 15 races all over Long Island. Their first race was a 5K (3.1 miles) and Alex finished in 27:45, Jamie in 31:24. Now, for the same 5K race, Alex finishes in 20:53 and Jamie in 25:35. They have also begun to increase their distance running in 10K races (6.2 miles). In the last 10K Alex finished in 43:28 and Jamie in 55:35. They have both placed in several races, including first and second place! Their trophies and race photos have begun to clutter our home and it's wonderful. They have even been featured in the New York Times and the Greater LI Running Club Magazine!
Kids with autism have many skills that we often never know exist. The best part of our new discovery is that Alex and Jamie are running with typically developing kids and adults, together. As we watch and cheer and wait with nervous anticipation until they cross the finish line each time, we are so excited and proud to see them with all the other runners and realize their abilities to succeed in this wonderful outdoor sport. Best of all are the ear to ear smiles on both of their faces; they really love to run! Now we are planning our own race to increase awareness of autism and to benefit Eden II's Genesis School, a program exclusively for individuals with autism, where Alex and Jamie have attended since its inception in 1995.
We have lived through many tough times through the years, but there's one thing that we've learned and that's to keep exploring the inner talents and skills that our kids possess. A year ago we had no idea that Alex and Jamie could run so fast. Now, come this September the boys will be included in their high school cross country team. Inclusion in their own district high school was so far beyond our expectations. We never dreamed of this happening!
The greatest joy I have as a parent is to see how happy our boys are. As parents of boys who are predominantly non-verbal, it has always been a challenge to assess their likes and dislikes. But happily, we accept their beautiful smiles that warm our hearts. For us, these are better than any words could describe.
If you have a child with autism or you know someone who does, keep on exploring and never stop dreaming! You never know what they can do; if only they're given the chance they deserve!
When they first started, their coaches held their hands while running with them, not sure what to expect as both Alex and Jamie have limited language and self-injurious behavior that can oftentimes be unpredictable. Soon the coaches were able to let go and run with them side by side. Now, in just a little over one year, Alex and Jamie have run in 15 races all over Long Island. Their first race was a 5K (3.1 miles) and Alex finished in 27:45, Jamie in 31:24. Now, for the same 5K race, Alex finishes in 20:53 and Jamie in 25:35. They have also begun to increase their distance running in 10K races (6.2 miles). In the last 10K Alex finished in 43:28 and Jamie in 55:35. They have both placed in several races, including first and second place! Their trophies and race photos have begun to clutter our home and it's wonderful. They have even been featured in the New York Times and the Greater LI Running Club Magazine!
Kids with autism have many skills that we often never know exist. The best part of our new discovery is that Alex and Jamie are running with typically developing kids and adults, together. As we watch and cheer and wait with nervous anticipation until they cross the finish line each time, we are so excited and proud to see them with all the other runners and realize their abilities to succeed in this wonderful outdoor sport. Best of all are the ear to ear smiles on both of their faces; they really love to run! Now we are planning our own race to increase awareness of autism and to benefit Eden II's Genesis School, a program exclusively for individuals with autism, where Alex and Jamie have attended since its inception in 1995.
We have lived through many tough times through the years, but there's one thing that we've learned and that's to keep exploring the inner talents and skills that our kids possess. A year ago we had no idea that Alex and Jamie could run so fast. Now, come this September the boys will be included in their high school cross country team. Inclusion in their own district high school was so far beyond our expectations. We never dreamed of this happening!
The greatest joy I have as a parent is to see how happy our boys are. As parents of boys who are predominantly non-verbal, it has always been a challenge to assess their likes and dislikes. But happily, we accept their beautiful smiles that warm our hearts. For us, these are better than any words could describe.
If you have a child with autism or you know someone who does, keep on exploring and never stop dreaming! You never know what they can do; if only they're given the chance they deserve!
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