Need parent/carer input for a non-profit Hi, I'm the Director of a newly formed non-profit organization, called ASD Athletes. Our organization promotes wellness and life skills opportunities for the Autism community through physical activity. We are in the middle of our capital campaign and want to ensure that we are designing appropriate activities for those on autism spectrum. What better way to learn than from the people who know them best! As a mother of an autistic son, I'm fully aware that each person has their own needs, their own temperament, and their own aversions, etc. There is definitely not a one size fits all program! I am looking for HONEST reactions and opinions and needs, wants, suggestions. Although we have recruited professionals for the board, and instructors/coaches who have degrees, certificates, and experience in the field of special education and particularly autism, many of them having a loved one with autism themselves; we know that we couldn't possibly address the entire spectrum, and that we might be overlooking something that might be the one thing that would make a parent/carer bypass considering our services. I would be ecstatic if we could learn about a very unique or rare situation that we can design a program for a family who maybe had no hope of accessing the opportunity for their loved one to be an "athlete" or experience the benefits of having an active lifestyle. Please PM me your input and be assured that although your information will be shared with other board members, your username will never be associated with your answers. If you still wish to participate but want to be completely anonymous to me as well, see the postscript for details on how you can still have a say. Please be as honest and as verbose as you please. What I would like to know in particular is How old is your loved one, your relationship, and where on the spectrum? Has your loved one ever participated in a sport? If Yes, Which one(s)? Rate the experience and explain what you liked about it and what you wish it provided instead or in addition to what they were providing. If No, why? Does your community or city currently offer opportunites for your loved one to participate in sports? Elaborate. What is your belief on the effects of physical activity on autism? Are you motivated to engage your loved one in a sport/physical activity program? If No, why are you not motivated? If Yes, Would you be willing to pay regular price or would you need/expect some sort of financial aid in order to actually engage in the program? What are the top 3 specific things that the program must offer for your loved one in order for you to engage in that program? What additional things would you expect from the program for it to be successful? Do you feel there is a need in the Autism Community to have physical activities options Would you promote, donate, support the mission behind ASD Athletes? Would you want a chapter in your community or city? Lastly, do have any additional ideas, comments or opinions? If you have questions or a question is unclear, please post a reply here on this thread. I'm sure other people will have your same question. Thank you in advance for your input. If you know anyone else outside the forum (or inside that hasn't yet discovered this thread) that would like add their ideas or opinions, please share this post with them. Feedback is always welcome so please update us on your experiences. We need you to help us so we can help you get what you need! Many thanks, Jennifer _____________ If you still wish to participate but want to be completely anonymous to me as well, Please submit your answers on our website's contact form. Name and Email are required so simply use anonymous as your Name, and anon@autismpddforum.com as your Email (It can be whatever you like, those are just examples). If you choose to be completely anonymous, be aware that I will not be able to respond to you for follow-up questions, or for clarification of your answers. If your answers are too vague to contribute to a productive solution, we may not be able to consider it. How old is your loved one, your relationship, and where on the spectrum? 14 ( self) Has your loved one ever participated in a sport?  I have done soccer, softball, and karate. Currently I only do karate. If Yes, Which one(s)? Rate the experience and explain what you liked about it and what you wish it provided instead or in addition to what they were providing. I love karate If No, why? Does your community or city currently offer opportunites for your loved one to participate in sports? Elaborate. I could if I wanted too What is your belief on the effects of physical activity on autism? Are you motivated to engage your loved one in a sport/physical activity program? I would try If No, why are you not motivated? If Yes, Would you be willing to pay regular price or would you need/expect some sort of financial aid in order to actually engage in the program? depends What are the top 3 specific things that the program must offer for your loved one in order for you to engage in that program? What additional things would you expect from the program for it to be successful? Do you feel there is a need in the Autism Community to have physical activities options sure Would you promote, donate, support the mission behind ASD Athletes?  yes Would you want a chapter in your community or city? YES! Lastly, do have any additional ideas, comments or opinions?
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