HappyChucks   For Families Navigating the Autism Waters

I had a chance to attend the KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) town hall meeting earlier this week, and I came away from the meeting impressed with the people who are running it and with what they're trying to accomplish. They are absolutely dedicated to their mission, and they have a track record of success. They also have some pretty impressive corporate ties, sponsors, and "friends". Just as importantly, or maybe even more so, is that they know what they are and what they are not.

KEEN is not going to replace your current ABA program, or your other therapies, or your summer school/camp programs. They are not going to attempt to implement a full-scale, follow-the-rules game of basketball, baseball, or soccer. They are not imitating Special Olympics (although some of their athletes have gone on to compete in Special Olympics.)

KEEN is going to provide an outlet for your special needs athlete to burn off some steam, in whatever capacity he/she is capable of. They are going to provide one-on-one support in a semi-chaotic and free-flowing environment, where each athlete will be playing sports of his/her own choice and at his/her own pace. They encourage friendships among the athletes, volunteers, and parents. But mostly, they provide something for the athletes (and volunteers) to look forward to each week, and to enjoy. They provide side effects of increased coordination, self-esteem, and confidence. (and a little respite for parents!)

Applications are being accepted for athletes and volunteers. More info:

When? The program is scheduled to start on March 30^th. It's expected to be on Sundays and run for one hour. Exact times have not yet been determined.

Where? The initial location will be the Boys & Girls Club on 23^rd Ave & Missouri.

Cost? Free to both athletes and volunteers.

Commitment? Athletes will be asked to make a commitment to attend each week, as there will be a waiting list to join. Volunteers will have no commitments at all – show up whichever weeks you can.

Sign up form. as an Athlete or a Volunteer.

More Info? Visit http://www.keenphoenix.org/ for all the details.

I hope to see you there!

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KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) is a non-profit organization which offers children of all ages, and with all disabilities (including autism), the chance to participate in various sports in a fun and encouraging environment. And best of all, it's FREE to the participants & their families. KEEN has several programs in the Washington DC area, and have recently added branches in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and a few other cities. Beginning next month, they'll add Phoenix to their list.

8:43 KEEN video

If you're interested in learning more about KEEN in Phoenix, you can visit their website, or you can attend a Town Hall meeting next week:

What:	A town hall meeting to learn more about KEEN and how this unique program will soon be available to kids with disabilities in the Phoenix area.
Who:	Parents, volunteers, agencies, organizations, and other interested parties.
Where:	Sonnenshein Nath & Rosenthal, LLP 2398 E Camelback Rd, Suite 1100 Phoenix, AZ 85016
When:	Tuesday, February 26, 2008 6:00 – 7:30 pm
RSVP:	If you plan to attend, or would like more information, please call by Friday, February 22 at 602-508-3939, or email at info@keenphoenix.org

We've had some mixed success with programs like these in the past, but I'm looking forward to meeting the KEEN folks and giving this a try. I'm amazed that they've been able to do all this without charging for services.. We've met a few people and organizations over the years who have great intentions and want very badly to make a difference, but funding, volunteers, and resources often becomes too big an obstacle to overcome, and they eventually either change to a pay-for-service model or their services and energy deteriorate over time. The fact that KEEN has some history and has been successful in other locations is giving me reason to hope.

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One of the things I find challenging as a parent is discovering things we can do together, as a family, where everyone gets a full enjoyment out of the activity. Some of the things that Calvin loves to do are quite boring to Jonas, and vice versa. Sometimes we have an activity that both kids will participate in, but at different levels – such as sports. Jonas wants to play the games as fast as possible (Calvin doesn't process all the variables fast enough to keep up), while Calvin likes to slow the game down enough to participate (Jonas gets bored.) It's not easy, but we keep trying.

Hiking, on the other hand, has become a great activity for us. And since there are lots of trails in and around Phoenix, we have plenty of opportunities to hike and explore. Jonas wants to hike fast, and wants to be the leader. Calvin doesn't care about who leads. But after a few minutes, Jonas' little legs get tired, and we all get to hike together. On the way down it's a different story entirely – Calvin rolls downhill like a bowling ball (I have to keep up to make sure he doesn't get out of control.), and Jonas is much more cautious as he works his way down the trail. It's great to have something that we can do as a family, and it's great to have something where Calvin gets to "win"!

Pictures taken over Christmas break at Squaw Peak (Piestewa Peak) Recreation Area in Phoenix, Arizona.

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The flu-bug hit our house last week, and the kids mixed in a little Strep Throat for good measure. Somehow I avoided it (knock on wood), but Cheryl & the kids looked and felt like death warmed over. It was not a fun place to be. By Saturday Calvin felt a lot better, and by Sunday he was not only back to full speed, but had "cabin fever" and did not want to sit around the house anymore.

We could go for a walk, we could play in the backyard, we could go shopping – all the usual choices. But I wanted to do something different. We decided to go take a walk around ASU West (Arizona State University, West Campus). What a great idea this turned out to be!

We had the whole campus to ourselves, since it was Sunday and there were few students around. Tons of wide open spaces, stairs, hills, fountains, corridors, grass fields. We were able to burn off a lot of energy, which was good for both of us!

I'm not suggesting that a college campus become your primary playground, but if you have a little one who likes to bolt in public places, or who sometimes just can't get enough running and bouncing... This was a safe and effective place to do it. We had a great time playing and exploring together.

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