Taekwondo helping children with Autism
Bea Karnes
Autism is a mysterious disease. While doctors recognize the systems, they’re not sure what causes it.
There is a woman in New York that’s making great sacrifices to help those with autism. John Ordover son Arren has autism. "When you first get hit with the diagnosis of autism your first reaction is panic and fear and blame and denial. You mourn and then you move on."
Arren began private taekwondo lessons with Lisa Chen in 2006. His progress inspired her to organize full classes in Brooklyn, which she calls Fireflies NYC. Chen said, "I believe that children with autism have so much potential and if you can just tap into that potential they can just light up a room like fireflies in the night."
Chen, a special ed teacher and taekwondo black belt, says the physical exercises develop strength, flexibility, and coordination. But she brings in volunteers from a local middle school to build socialization. "They also help make it a more one-to-one ratio and we like to keep it as hands on as possible,” said Chen.
Suzanne Killian says taekwondo has changed life for her 5 year old son, Ryan. "He smiles everyday. He's a joy to be around, he's mine and I’m going to make sure he gets whatever he needs." Killan pays $100. For every 45 minute class, and students can come up to three times a week.
Lisa holds her "Fireflies" classes in her small apartment. And what she loses in square footage, she gains back in satisfaction. "There are no words to describe what I get out of working with these children they are a joy to be with," said Chen.
