Athletes 4 Autism

Athletes 4 Autism encourages inclusive health, wellness, and fitness for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. We use sport as a common denominator to encourage real-world social development in a population that has a hard time learning/applying typical social skills. A4A kids are paired up with a university student-athlete who mentors them through free sports lessons and other health-conscious experiences (i.e. professional sporting events, nutrition classes, etc.). We believe that every child should have an opportunity to "Get in the Game: Because Life Isn't a Spectator Sport". As a result of our programming, A4A kids learn how-to: ⇢ Stand up to bullying ⇢ Follow directions ⇢ Make friends ⇢ Practice healthy habits ⇢ Participate in individual and team sports Most importantly, A4A kids teach their mentors just as much as their mentors teach them. We are changing the attitudes of the younger generations: using sport to teach that "disability" really just means "different ability". Awarded GameChanger Charity of the Year (2011).