Children who are on the autism spectrum can derive significant benefits from what medical experts refer to as “surf therapy”. This innovative treatment option essentially involves the activity of surfing, which is used as a form of natural therapy. Regular surfing allows children on the autism spectrum to overcome many of the problems associated with ASD, including underdeveloped motor skills, social anxiety, isolation, etc.

Waves for Change, a social enterprise founded in South Africa, aims to provide aid for autism with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for children living with ASD. The surf therapy allows the children to get away from the known and familiar environments of their day-to-day lives, such as school and home and exposes them to a new (and safe) environment.

Through the activity of surfing, these children can find a community that is welcoming, inclusive and understanding of their needs and aspirations. Being in a new social environment also enables the children to develop their skills in the realms of social interaction, effective communication, and more. During the surfing lessons, these kids are taught various important coping skills such as breathing techniques, meditation, and emotional regulation, all of which can help them manage and control their social anxiety and fear of the unfamiliar.

The Role of Trainers and Coaches

Surf therapy is conducted and overseen by a team of trainers and coaches eager to provide aid for autism to their young students. A coach at Waves for Change is a highly trained professional who is responsible for assessing the ability and comfort level of each individual child. After this assessment has been made, the coach will introduce the child to the ocean and help them learn to surf, each at their own pace and in the way that best suits their needs.

Apart from being an enjoyable recreational activity, surfing on a regular basis allows children on the autism spectrum to improve their motor skills and get some much-needed exercise, all without the slightest risk of accident, injury, or undue mental stress. Over a period of several weeks and months, the coaches help the kids get used to the water and comfortable with the activity being undertaken. This is accomplished at a slow and steady pace, with constant assessments and evaluations to determine each child’s response to the therapy.

Surf therapy sessions are held once or twice a week. They are designed to be fun and comfortable for all the attendants, with the primary goal of enabling the kids to partake in social interaction and develop a healthy sense of belonging and community. This can be a major source of self-confidence for children needing aid for autism and related conditions.

Throughout the session, each child will always have access to a nurturing and supportive mentor or coach. This will prevent any feelings of apprehension or confusion among the participants. If a mentor or coach feels that a child is struggling with any particular activity, they will take immediate steps to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of the struggling individual, either by postponing the activity, canceling it or simply decreasing the pace of progress.

Advantages of Surf Therapy

At a gentle and steady pace, guided by supportive mentors, the autistic children learn to communicate their needs and wants, form social bonds, and integrate into wider society. This helps them function more effectively in the world while at the same time protecting them from the isolation that kids and adults on the autism spectrum often fall victim to. During surf therapy, they also become a part of a community of supportive and non-judgmental individuals who would stay by their side for years to come.

A safe and supportive community, caring and well-trained adults, and a challenging new task to accomplish are some of the things that autistic kids undergoing surf therapy can expect to receive. These factors help them learn how to cope effectively with their condition and manage their emotions. A marked improvement in the repetitive behavioral patterns associated with autism is also often observed.

This, in turn, helps reduce social isolation and the negative emotions associated with it. Overcoming their challenges, the autistic kids receiving surf therapy can hence learn to manage their own symptoms, develop self-confidence, and celebrate their own strengths and abilities. Such programs meant to provide aid for autism can make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families.

In Conclusion

Surf therapy is just one of the many alternative treatment options for autism that have been gaining traction among healthcare providers, patients, and their caregivers in recent years. Other options such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, occupational therapy, a casein-free diet, and social skills classes are also used to provide aid for autism and have proven beneficial for many patients with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorders, while quite prevalent in modern society, do not affect all patients in the same way or to the same extent. Therefore, managing the symptoms of ASD and minimizing the associated issues can be quite difficult for patients and their family members. For the best results, parents and guardians should do some extensive research to learn about the available treatment options and their benefits, drawbacks, etc.

Sebastian

Sebastian was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Saad Mushtaq has contributed to many online publications including the PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Saad Mushtaq earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Saad Mushtaq follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.Thanks