David Geslak's blog

For the past few days I have been thinking about what I wrote in my blog, A Dad’s Strength”
Yesterday, as I worked with a lower functioning boy on the spectrum many thoughts were going through my mind as to what many Dad’s must feel. As I walked with, will call him “Joe,” he flapped his hands walking on his toes and just smiled. He is older so I always walk in front of him to give him his independence in the community. He was smiling but doesn’t say much because his verbal skills are so poor.

This is one of the hardest things for me to write and share with possibly thousands of people that I don’t know. However, if it helps one father, one family, and one child then it was all worth it.

Many people ask me, “Are you a Dad?” “No,” I respond but I have 40 children that I work with each day. I have been working with children on the spectrum for the last 5 years and most recently work at a school for children with autism, where we serve children from ages 5-21. There of nearly 70 employees I am one of 5 males that work with the children.

I like Tim's words

The Five Components of Physical Fitness for Youth and Adults with ASD is something that I have developed to help educate parents, teachers and school administrators.

Over the past 20 years, documented, the way that our children have been physically assessed and taught in a PE class has not changed. After talking with some people at the Presidents Challenge, they say it could be nearly 50 years!

Yesterday I was working out and saw what I have been advocating for, for the past 6+ years.
I was working out at a track near my house. There is not much there but a track, some pull-up bars, stairs, and my bag of equipment. As I was running a few laps on the track I noticed a dad walking up with his two boys and girl.

It has now been 3 days since the conference and I am still at a loss for words. I had the opportunity to meet so many great parents, families, doctors, and people involved in the lives of our children.

I want to personally thank Ed and Teri. Thank you for this incredible opportunity, I am so blessed to be apart of Autism One and hope that I can continue to bring my expertise to the families of Autism One.

The Water Bottle

This past weekend I was at an Autism Event. As I watched the children run around the football field flapping their hands, and having a sensory experience with the thunderous music and soft grass on their bare feet. I was smiling all day about what I get to experience everyday…the joy that these special children bring.

Wow, for the last 20 minutes I have been typing trying to think how I should start. When I read my “cheat sheet” on blogging it said to treat it like a diary. So for right now that is what I am going to do.

My First Entry

I am thrilled to be a part of AutismOne and have the opportunity to help parents and anyone involved in the lives of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. For the past 5 years I have been developing exercise programs for children on the spectrum and have witnessed children gain confidence, self-esteem and improve in the cognitive ability.