Join fall PACK! walking club

From Denice Stout,
Founder and Director of Autism Ability Advocates, Inc.

Dear Friends:
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often realize the importance of education and cognitive type therapies, but quite often the benefits of physical activity can be overlooked.
Studies have shown that physical activity can improve the overall quality of life of individuals with autism. Not only does it introduce the individual to a social environment and a chance to interact with others in the community, but it has also been demonstrated to improve behavior, decrease anxiety, and increase focus.
Autism Ability Advocates, Inc. will be sponsoring PACK! (Physically Active Cool Kids!). PACK! is a walking club that allows individuals with ASD to take part in a physical activity they can be successful at out in the community.
PACK! members and supporters will meet at O’Dell Weeks track on Thursdays at 6:30 P.M. beginning on September 9, 2010. There will be a total of ten walk dates. The goal is that the individuals with ASD will; 1) practice social skills and decrease inappropriate behaviors in the community, 2) become self-motivated to walk a one mile track, 3) participate in an activity that will enhance their physical fitness and overall quality of life, 4) encourage all modes of communication, and 5) be integrated into the community and removed from isolation and seclusion.
The deadline to turn in your application is Monday, September 6th, 2010. There is no membership fee. The cost of this program is FREE! We just need your commitment to have fun and attend all the walks with a positive attitude! There will be a $10 charge for PACK! t-shirts.
The application includes a short reinforcement inventory. This inventory will be used to provide ideas for incentives that will be used to motivate the individuals to complete the walk.
Acceptance into PACK! is based on a “First received – First served” basis.
Hope this sees you all well,
Denice Stout – Founder & Director

Autism Ability Advocates, Inc. * 470 Timberchase Lane * Aiken, SC 29803 * 803-215-7593 *dstout6@bellsouth.net