Children and adults with special needs find it difficult to socialize with others. They find it hard to simply communicate with people,especially those they met the first time. Not only because of limited social skills but most of them lack confidence due to the fact that some people think they're hopeless cases when it comes to interaction.
Not so according to an article on Global News Canada. The University of Calgary paved the way for a special program for people with autism. In that place, they can perform a series of circuit workout and drills which can make them feel more comfortable and at ease. This was proven true by 25-year-old Natalie Beekhuizen who is taking part in the program every Wednesday afternoon. She said that she was really nervous when she began doing the program.
As a young adult with autism, she admitted that even with doing simple exercises makes her feel intimidated. But with the this unique program which was developed by the Olympic Hockey player named Hayley Wickenheiser, she became an active person who is willing to try all kinds of new things.
Wickenheiser said that she created Stepping out along with Dr. Margaret Clark out of the Ability Hub about five years ago. She added that a lot of young kids finish high school, but there are few programs that are structured especially for children with autism.
In the end, these kids are usually left in the basement of their parents' homes to fend for themselves. Stepping Out began as a small research project with just five participants, Now, under the administration of the Autism, Aspergers Friendship Society, dozens of young adults take part in the weekly workouts.
Wickenheiser is now studying the impact of the program, measuring how high intensity exercise changes the brain for young adults on the autism spectrum but she says she's also seen many benefits first hand. Beekhuizen and her mother agree.
