From the Editor
Autism awareness has been front and center in our lives since 1994, when our first-born child, James (Jamie), was born.
Today one in every 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. That is up from one in 44 the previous year, and up from one in 500 when our son was diagnosed in 1996. Back then, the only autism awareness that existed came from the blockbuster film “Rain Man” with Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. While not great, it was a start.
Thirty years later, we have come a very long way. Mothers and fathers have fought, cried, and worked relentlessly, struggling to make schools and communities accepting and inclusive of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Yes, there is always room for improvement, but today information, support and opportunities are readily available. Students with ASD often learn side by side with their neurotypical peers. There is a wide array of activities for those with autism and more inclusiveness than ever before.
Those were things that Bob and I dreamed of for our son. With little available in those years, Bob, an avid surfer, did what came natural to him. He took Jamie out in the ocean on a surfboard.
Immediately Bob noticed that the movement of the water, with its ever-changing currents, was calming to Jamie, perhaps giving him the sensory input his nervous system craved. It quickly became Jamie’s favorite thing to do and it was a great bonding activity between father and son. Although some people with ASD are extraordinary surfers, Jamie never stood up on his board. That was okay. He still took pride in his time paddling with his dad, and we lovingly called him the “Big Kahuna.”
With hopes that we could share the “stoke” or enjoyment of surfing with others on the autism spectrum, in 2014, we launched Heart of Surfing. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which is now in its 10th year, continues to offer free adaptive surfing for families with ASD every Saturday all summer long at the Jersey Shore. Although adaptive surfing is our main focus, Heart of Surfing offers year-round activities for families with ASD, including sensory-friendly roller and ice skating, and adaptive skateboarding clinics, plus other special events.
Our dream of this organization became reality because of tremendous support from the community. From the volunteers, to the beach patrols, fire departments, surf shops and our platinum sponsor, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Bob and I are incredibly thankful for it all.
Most recently PJ’S Coffee in Linwood has teamed up with Heart of Surfing. You can make a donation to Heart of Surfing throughout the month of April every time you go in to grab your favorite cup of coffee. Additionally, on April 18, PJ’S is hosting a special event with a band and raffle items to benefit our organization. All proceeds that day will generously be donated to Heart of Surfing. So please stop by PJ’S Coffee, not only to grab your favorite delicious beverage, but to show your support for autism as well! For more information visit heartofsurfing.org or call 609-705-5323.
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Wishing you a wonderful and drier week ahead.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
