A new wave of autism therapy got a standing ovation out on Folly Beach Wednesday...a standing ovation, on a surf board, that is.
200 kids diagnosed with the developmental disorder took to the waves at Folly in a camp held by Surfers Healing, a foundation aimed at pairing surfers with autistic kids. Water proving to be a powerful therapeutic tool in getting these children to open up."Some of them will smile for the first time, some of them will talk for the first time, some will make eye contact...and somehow it just changes them," says professional surfer Garrett McNamara.
Surfers Healing has been coming to the Lowcountry for 4 years now. The foundation began 12 years ago, in honor of professional surfer, and founder, Izzy Paskowitz's son, Isaiah. Izzy would take his son out on the waves, and was amazed by the transformation."I truly believe that it is incredibly therapeutic, so for these guys whose nerves are absolutely frazzled, it just calms them down," says Izzy.
The afternoon providing a first for 13-year old Trevor, who got the chance to stand up on a surfboard - by himself - for the first time."They told me if I hear them say stand-up, to do it. Well I heard it so I went on my knees, then I stood up....and then I wiped out."
Each ride proving magical for the child on the board, the parent in the crowd, and the surfer taking them out to catch their first wave."I cry about 6 times a day and it is not a bad thing at all," says professional surfer Kai Dilling of Mt. Pleasant.
Kimberly Molthan, orgininally from Charleston, lives in Arizona with her 4-year old son Cannon, who was diagnosed at age 3. Her and her family flew out for the event, and are so thankful they did. "Oh my gosh, it's that I am so proud of him. Sometimes when you hear the word autism, you think they are not going to be capable of certain things and I am just in awe of him right now. I am so proud of him. I am so proud to be his mom."
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