Any Celebrity Apprentice fans?  On Sunday night’s episode Gary Busey shocked everyone by winning the second challenge of this season and spelled out his victory by stating the meaning behind the word team: “T- is for Together, E-Is for Everyone, A-id for Achieves, and M-More!”   As hard it may be to understand the thought process of Gary at times, he got this point right on!  The meaning behind the acronym of the word “team” truly speaks volumes.  Understanding the significance and strength from working as a “team” holds true and this definition is most often heard in the success of business franchises, private organizations, and sports teams.  It also holds true in the world of autism.

I have found a successful “team” for supporting an autistic child in his or her progress in areas of motor planning, movement, balance, and overall fitness and wellness constitute of persons in a variety of professionals and parents all coming together  through open communication and an understanding that we share a common goal. That common goal is the child.

My idea of a “winning” team include my Right Fit trainers, parents, the child’s therapist, the physical education teacher and all those people surrounding the active lifestyle of the child.  A jump start to a successful program plan begins with teaming up with supportive parents.  Supportive in the sense they initiate their child in a program with a readiness to share their story, provide feedback,  be open to new or old suggestions, and follow through with the “fitwork” that is often assigned to continue the progress they are making at our facility.  Support at home can accelerate progression and provide greater consistency for the child.  However, even with the most supportive parents, I understand that our training and individualized training plan must engage the parents too. Essential and key to bridge possible communication issues is the feedback, provided with “fitwork”, and an opportunity for parents to see visuals of progress through pictures, videos, and progress notes.   Also, it is beneficial for the child’s progress when parent and fitness trainers communicate with the lead school teacher and therapist, most often an occupational or physical therapist.

On my drive out to a school this past week to meet one of our autistic child’s physical education teacher, I was visualizing my idea of this “dream team”.  I was excited to meet with his teacher, as I and his trainer had also met with his Occupational Therapist weeks prior.  Month’s leading up to introduction of these other professionals, the parent’s have been working with us every week to help their child thrive in his active world.  The progress he had been making at our facility was wonderful, and I couldn’t wait to share additional ideas with his teacher.  After all, together everyone achieves more!