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Climbing brings out best in autistic children
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Michael McKinney and his son Jacob take a break from the climbing walls. McKinney and his family drive from Tucson for the class.
Sam Harrison, For the Tribune
January 7, 2005
Sweaty palms and nervousness are most peoples reaction to the thought of rock climbing. But to kids with autism, feeling gravity’s pull and the wall’s roughness is a relaxing sensation.
Moving from one handhold to the next connects their mind and body like few activities can.
"The kids seem to love it," said Lisa Hesselbrock, who began the monthly climbing class for autistic children at AZ on the Rocks last September. "Climbing is an addictive sport and lots of autistic kids crave the sensory input and
adrenaline rush it provides."
Getting parents and their kids involved is another of Hesselbrock’s goals for the class. "I’m hoping the parents will lead by example," said Hesselbrock, ‘‘but it’s usually the other way around."
She said that after the kids try it a couple of times, the parents will ask it they can clip in and try climbing.
That’s how it worked for Andy Lubbers. After bringing his son Alex, 3, to the class a couple of times, Andy tried it himself.
"Climbing the rocks and swinging on the rope helps Alex get centered," Lubbers said. "I think it’s helped him get over some fears and learn to trust other people."
Hesselbrock said she’ll keep the class small — fewer than 10 kids. If more kids sign up, they will add a second class each month.
This program caught my eye for a couple of reasons. I dropped out of college twice to climb the crags around Boulder, Colo. Now, as the father of Sam, my 9-year-old who has autism, I was excited to share this activity with him. He’s always been a strong kid who’s been drawn to high places.
We went to the class last month. Sam effortlessly climbed 15 feet up, then wanted to shoot photographs. How lucky for me, that on the morning of my birthday, I was able to watch Sam glide up a rock wall and decide he wanted to photograph the other kids and parents in the class. What a great birthday.
Time to climb
What: Rock climbing program for autistic children
When: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday
Where: AZ on the Rocks indoor climbing gym, 16447 N. 91st St., Suite 105, Scottsdale
Cost: $25 for a one-hour session that includes training, equipment and a one-day pass to the gym
Information:
(602) 319-5445 or (480) 502-9777 or e-mail
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