Camp iCan Bike, formerly known as “Lose the Training Wheels (LTTW), will again be offered this August 12-16, 2013.
Last summer, National Foundation of Autism Research (NFAR) awarded Crimson Treatment & Research Center (CTRC) a grant to customize a bike riding camp for children with developmental disabilities, LTTW to specifically meet the behavioral and sensory needs of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research had already revealed the value of engaging children with ASD in other sports, such as swimming, surfing and horse-back riding, but these activities do not as easily translate into a shared family activity as could bike riding.
The objective of the 2012 program funded by NFAR was to provide aides with specific strategies found to be beneficial to 20 children with ASD participating in this one week camp program. Strategies included visual schedules, first-then visual supports, and sensory input and break techniques.
Objective measures recorded indicated clinically significant outcomes, including successful independent riding and substantially increased time and opportunities for family outings. Other positive outcomes reported by families, although not officially documented, included:
- Increased expressive language
- Increased confidence
- Increased willingness to engage in unfamiliar activities
- Improved reasoning
- More readily involved in social situations
- Increased language with movement
- Increased interest in interacting with peers
With raving reviews from participating families and volunteers, Camp iCan Bike (formerly known as “Lose the Training Wheels), is now accepting participants for their camp to be held from August 12-16, 2013 at Sol City Sports Center at Alliant University in Scripps Ranch. CTRC is looking for volunteers and donors in an effort to create the 3rd annual and successful riding camp experience for 40 riders.
For more information on iCan Bike, visit CTRC.