Shea's Autism Surfing Fund
WHO IS THE PUZZLED SURFER?
Puzzled Surfer is a loving reference to our 14 year old son, Shea.
Shea has Asperger Syndrome (AS), an autism spectrum disorder (hence- the puzzle reference.) As a result it seriously impacts Shea's ability to participate in many social and extracurricular activities with his peers. He must learn things certain ways and there can be quite a learning curve that, in a typical instructional setting, usually ends in frustration with little desire or interest to continue the activity.
But, then came surfing...
We took Shea to an event held by a tremendous organization, SURFERS FOR AUTISM. These people are incredible and the only thing more amazing is that at these events, our son has the TIME OF HIS LIFE! He now thinks of himself as a "˜professional surfer' WE LOVE IT!! No one judges him, no one makes him feel different--he is free to be himself in an environment where instead of being THAT kid, he's simply just A kid.
He is surrounded by a team of 5-6 volunteers (he calls them "his CREW" some of which are pictured below!) where he is taken out to the breakers and simply:surfs.
The relationships he has made with other children and the volunteers at the events are truly heartwarming.
As a direct result of the training of the professionals and volunteers with Surfers for Autism, these special days are "incident" free. As we say in our family, they speak Shea!
Shea and a member of his Surfers for Autism Crew
Our funding request is to cover the travel (gas money est. at $3.89/gal), food ($50/day) and hotel to attend events scheduled for the 2014 season. Hotel prices vary but we stay both nights at whatever venue the SFA has booked allowing Shea to spend time with his friends and crew.
If we are blessed enough to exceed our funding request any money will be applied to next seasons event schedule.
Thank you for reading about us and considering our need!
The Edmondson-Wood Family
Please visit Shea's personal website for video, photos, stories and more at www.PuzzledSurfer.com!
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Puzzled Surfer is a loving reference to our 14 year old son, Shea.
Shea has Asperger Syndrome (AS), an autism spectrum disorder (hence- the puzzle reference.) As a result it seriously impacts Shea's ability to participate in many social and extracurricular activities with his peers. He must learn things certain ways and there can be quite a learning curve that, in a typical instructional setting, usually ends in frustration with little desire or interest to continue the activity.
But, then came surfing...
We took Shea to an event held by a tremendous organization, SURFERS FOR AUTISM. These people are incredible and the only thing more amazing is that at these events, our son has the TIME OF HIS LIFE! He now thinks of himself as a "˜professional surfer' WE LOVE IT!! No one judges him, no one makes him feel different--he is free to be himself in an environment where instead of being THAT kid, he's simply just A kid.
He is surrounded by a team of 5-6 volunteers (he calls them "his CREW" some of which are pictured below!) where he is taken out to the breakers and simply:surfs.
The relationships he has made with other children and the volunteers at the events are truly heartwarming.
As a direct result of the training of the professionals and volunteers with Surfers for Autism, these special days are "incident" free. As we say in our family, they speak Shea!
Shea and a member of his Surfers for Autism Crew
Our funding request is to cover the travel (gas money est. at $3.89/gal), food ($50/day) and hotel to attend events scheduled for the 2014 season. Hotel prices vary but we stay both nights at whatever venue the SFA has booked allowing Shea to spend time with his friends and crew.
If we are blessed enough to exceed our funding request any money will be applied to next seasons event schedule.
Thank you for reading about us and considering our need!
The Edmondson-Wood Family
Please visit Shea's personal website for video, photos, stories and more at www.PuzzledSurfer.com!
Hello all, we just wanted to give a huge thank you shout out to all of Shea's followers. He continues to surf and review his website stats. He also continues to attend his social group meetings. These sessions are also not covered by insurance. Please continue to lobby your local government officials to enact more support for those on the spectrum. It is greatly needed.
We look forward to attending his next surfing event in Cocoa Beach on June 11!
Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and support.
We look forward to attending his next surfing event in Cocoa Beach on June 11!
Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and support.
Bonne chance!