Dare County Schools

• All photos courtesy Bob Sumners

A number of Dare County Schools personnel and students participated in the autism/asperger’s awareness 2011 Surfing for Autism at the Comfort Inn in Nags Head on August 12 and 13. The OBX Chapter of the NC Autism Society sponsored the event in which sixty young people were paired with local volunteers and surfers to experience the thrill of catching a wave on a surfboard.  To learn more about autism, the importance of early intervention, parental support, and the latest research concerning this wide-spread disorder, visit  the Autism Society of NC online @ http://www.autismsociety-nc.org. The local  chapter meets regularly, providing support to caregivers and educators, and promoting autism education throughout the community. Dare County Schools Director of Exceptional Children George Graham supports the local autism society by encouraging EC staff to attend monthly meetings and to volunteer at the surfing event. Graham notes that participation by young people with autism doubled from last year.  Graham is big on establishing and maintaining partnerships within the community, particularly those with goals of enriching the lives of exceptional students. "Simply put, this is a win-win event ," reflects Graham. "The positive impact is written all over the faces of the children, organizers, and volunteers."  In addition to support from school staff and local surfers, representatives of the UNC-CH based Greenville branch of TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped CHildren) were present and involved. TEACCH is an evidence-based service, training, and research program for individuals of all ages and skill levels with autism spectrum disorders. Intrigued by Surfing for Autism? Visit http://www.surfingforautism.org to find more information.

Find George Graham's video on youtube, here.