Local Group Works To Help Those Living With Autism
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- April is Autism Awareness Month. It's a disorder that affects one in every 62 children in America.
Mike Schuh reports a local group has found a simple way to improve the lives of those with autism.
Meet Griffin and his assistant, Katie. One of the highlights of his week is to come to a Crossfit Center in Towson. He is an athlete. He also has autism and ADTM.
Four years ago, his parents brought him to the gym.
"It helps the kids by helping them become more physically fit," said PJ Schafer, Autism Speaks.
Schafer's son, 13-year-old Hayden, has autism and sees the benefit from regular exercise.
"After a workout you just feel relaxed," Schafer said. "Kids with autism are often anxious and having that calming effect after exercise can really benefit them."
Griffin would be the first to agree now, but at first, he didn't want to be here.
"It was really hard at first. Sometimes I would fake my sickness," said Griffin Sievers.
But soon he realized he felt better and the coaches say athletes like Griffin tend to be self-motivated.
"They are more goal-oriented. They will pick their numbers out and they will strive for higher numbers and I'm like, `Keep it up, buddy; you're doing my job for me,'" said Christian Mazariegos.
The Crossfit Center has received a $5,000 grant. Now each month, they'll be able to help about 30 more clients with autism.
"I felt super happy with myself for doing this in a way that matters in every single way," Griffin said.
Besides The Crossfit Initiative, four other groups received grants from Autism Speaks.