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For the last 5 months the students of Giant Steps Illinois, Inc a therapeutic day school for children with autism have continued to challenge me. As the Fitness Coordinator I am blessed to work with the students in large groups (10+ students). However, without the help of the one-on-one aid's (program assistants) this program would not be possible.

For the students of Giant Steps and all children on the spectrum I am looking to improve their behaviors, social skills, and promote independence but also working to prevent diseases (Type II diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc) while establishing lifelong activities. This is not just another physical education class, the primary focus is movement and education and sport is secondary.

Each day the students come to class and form a large circle around me and one of their peers, typically the “Student of the Month.” There, the student will lead their peers through a warm-up consisting of body identification, stretching, gross motor movement, or anything that comes to their creative mind. It is truly amazing to be in the lives of these special children.

During the 45-minute session I will walk around and help students. I work with their Program Assistant to give them tips I have learned but also to learn from them. We are a team at Giant Steps. There are 4 exercise stations set out through the class ranging from from stretching, medicine ball carry, the March Series, soccer, and baseball. I work with the students using visual supports to help them understand the exercise or game. Sometimes the aid's or myself must work individually with the student but when they show an understanding we immediately have them work with their peers.

We are all aware that one day you may see incredible gains with a child and the following day you are scratching your head, crying, and confused saying “what did I do wrong?” What I have learned is as long as I have a smile and I am genuine with the children I haven’t done anything wrong. But in what myself, the program assistants, teachers, therapists and parents go through each day; it is can be difficult to be optimistic . A tip for all of you…

Each day I take notes of what positive experiences I have through the day with the students and staff. At the end of each day I enter my notes into my journal. I started this 5 months ago and it has made a dramatic difference in my most challenging days.

However, what happened this past Friday I needed to share with all of you…..

It was about 3pm and the students were headed out to the bus. I was headed to the front door to say goodbye. As I was walking one of the students said to me, independently, “Hi Dave.” I responded “Hi John!” He was bundled up and on a mission to get to the door. Then, again independently, he said “Thank you.” I was happy and confused and responded “Thank you for what?” And John said “Thank you for Fitness.”

Teachers, parents, therapists and aides….keep doing what you do! Some children may not yet have the ability to communicate how thankful they are for you....I know when John said it to me he was talking to all of us!