Surfers for Autism

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http://www.surfersforautism.org

The Surfers For Autism mission is to unlock the potential of people with

developmental disabilities, while supporting advocacy for autism issues and

scientific research. Our focus is to eliminate stigma through public awareness

and education and to unite communities through volunteerism.

It was December of 2007 when a simple idea was presented to a small group of

South Florida surfers by a member whose life and family have been touched by

autism. The concept of introducing children on the autism spectrum to surfing

took hold and the group began planning for the inaugural Deerfield Beach event.

California-based Surfers Healing, an organization taking children with ASD

surfing, was having great success and Florida would soon follow suit.

During the planning stages of the event, it was decided that a fundraising

element be added to benefit Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science

and advocacy organization. Fundraising would be conducted by soliciting local

businesses to donate product and services for a raffle and through the sale of

event specific T-shirts.

On April 5, 2008, the inaugural Surfers For Autism event was held on the north

side of the Deerfield Beach Pier where 40 surfers with autism hit the water and

over $10,000 was raised to benefit Autism Speaks. The organization has since

hosted events in several locations on Florida's East Coast, and single events

have registered as many as 200 surfers and raised close to $20,000.

At a SFA event, our surfers are provided a safe environment where two to four

highly skilled and trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Our

surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled

with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live

music, face-painting, games, bounce houses, fire engine tours and much more. A

catered lunch is also provided, all at no cost. This is a very special day where

children with ASD interact with typical peers and wow families with their

capabilities. These events are examples of inclusion at the highest level.

(Taken from their website)

We heard about this from our ABA therapist yesterday, and we are very very

excited to attend the Saint Augustine event. Our child is too young to surf, but

we'll be there to show support and hope that many other families show up as

well.