"No Limits" Video from Model Me Kids - What Happens When "Real Men" Get Involved with Helping Kids on the Autism Spectrum
So what's so special?
Take a moment to watch, and you'll notice a few unusual points.
First: the kids in this class may be doing modified moves, but they are working on real skills in a real karate studio with real karate masters. This isn't therapy - it's karate. To me, this is critical. All too often, our kids spend hours in music therapy without ever learning to play an instrument. They spend years in art therapy without ever learning the elements of color, perspective, or rendering. Here, our kids are doing the real thing - and from the video, it seems clear that at least some will go on to earn belts and succeed in real, "unspecial" tournaments.
Second: the teachers in this class are all men. Every one of these men cares about and knows a great deal about karate - and almost nothing about autism. Pay attention to their voices and their moves. They are supportive and nurturing, but their voices are loud; they give commands; and they expect each child to do what they are asked to do, and to give it their best. In my opinion, this is a refreshing change from the wheedling, coaxing voices and limited expectations that are so often a part of expensive therapies.
Have you seen a program like this one that focuses, not on autism, but on acquisition of a skill? What are the best programs you've seen out there that make autistic kids a part of the action - and set aside "therapeutic goals" in the quest for real skills? Share your experience!
Comments
My son is 11 y/o with Asperger’s syndrome; he has been doing karate for the past 1.5 years. We live in Chicago; the classes are held at Go Time, with karate sensei Ricky Spritz. Ricky does have experience with all types of kids, but my son does not participate in any “special” class. He initially started with a few private lessons, to get him used to the routine and see how he would fare. Ricky moved him quickly into the regular beginner’s class. Since then, Sean has built endurance, motor planning skills, auditory processing skills, balance, coordination, and strength. Most importantly, this has helped enormously with his self-esteem. He knows that Ricky is tough. All martial arts should instill a strong sense of discipline, etiquette, and self-control. Sean has gone on to pass 2 tests, and is now an “orange tip” belt. It has been a great experience for him.
I know so many parents who get freaked out if there’s a male aide or male teacher in a special ed class who might have to help our kids to the bathroom, and I just say–trust your gut. The male aide and teacher my kids had last year were both fabulous. These kids, in my opinion, are surrounded by females and tend to just see one big blur of hair and boobs. (sorry!! but it’s true!!)
My son really perked up when he saw GUYS in the class, and it was obvious the other boys did too. They all sort of had this, “one of US!” attitude. And the aide and teacher were phenomenal. They never once gave me the “Hm…” sensation–you know what I mean. They were gentle and kind to everyone, but they were clearly GUYS and the boys in the class all really enjoyed it. I’m sorry those men aren’t teaching this year, or I’d probably move my kids back there. Maybe.
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