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Recreation and Leisure Studies
Children with Autism Recreation Program
The Children with Autism Recreation Program (CARP) is a recreational program that focuses on promoting the leisure-related skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and reinforces the value of recreation inclusion for college students. CARP is operated in coordination with Continuing Developmental Services (CDS) and the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department at The College at Brockport.
Description
The Children with Autism Recreation Program is held six Saturdays during each academic semester. During the two hour sessions, participants are encouraged to engage in a variety of recreational and leisure activities that promote cognitive, physical and social interaction skills.
The Children with Autism Recreation Program was initiated by Eve Sutliff, Recreation Coordinator for Continuing Developmental Services (CDS). Joel Frater, Chairperson for the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the College at Brockport, quickly realized the benefits for students, participants, families and the community. Nancy Vander Molen, Lecturer in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department, is the CARP Program Coordinator. CARP is beginning its fourth semester.
Mission Statement
The Children with Autism Recreation Program offers an integrated recreational program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) living in Monroe County. CARP provides opportunities for children with ASD to overcome barriers that have prevented them from meaningful involvement in recreational opportunities.
Participants
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms vary greatly between individuals; however, all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas of social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, and limited interest in activities or play. Examples of symptoms include lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, and problems taking steps to start a conversation and difficulties continuing a conversation once it has begun. Younger children with autism often focus on parts of toys, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy. The Children with Autism Recreation Programs provides opportunities for children to practice these important leisure-related skills. The program serves approximately 25 children each semester.
Students
It is important for all students, not just recreation and leisure students, to be aware of the right to recreation for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Approximately 125 college students assist with CARP each semester. The individuals that assist with the program are students in the general education, Leisure Experience course, and Therapeutic Recreation and Psychology majors.
Process
Students are educated about the needs of the participants and techniques for promoting success. Children are encouraged to express their leisure interests and students are paired with participants based on their recreation choices in order to promote an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Resources
The campus offers a multitude of leisure opportunities including basketball, racquetball, tennis, computer games, Wii, music programs, arts and crafts, board games adapted physical activities, and playground equipment.
Conclusion
The number of children with Autism is increasing in our communities. One of the primary indicators of ASD is difficulty with leisure-related skills.
The Children with Autism Recreation Program is an innovative program that addresses the leisure needs of children with ASD in our communities. This program offers these children opportunity to practice leisure skills that will help them enhance the quality of their lives. It also provides respite for families and teaches students the skills necessary to promote meaningful leisure lifestyles for individuals with special needs.
The CARP program received the Exceptional Program Award by the Genessee Valley Recreation and Park Society in fall 2008 and also from the New York State Recreation and Park Society in spring 2009.
The Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE) or Multi-Sensory Room (MSR) is managed through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (REL) at the College at Brockport. The College at Brockport MSR was initiated in 2008 by Dr. Joel Frater, chairperson of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and acquired through member items from Senator George Maziarz (2007) and Assemblyman Bill Reilich (2008).
