Making waves for their cause

Three years after Jonathan Eichenholz’s autism diagnosis, his parents, Jason and Robyn of Baldwin Park, learned about Surfers For Autism, a nonprofit organization that pairs volunteer surfers with children on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). About 1 in 68 children has been identified with ASD.

While Jonathan, then 5, loved the ocean and water, he had trouble connecting with his peers and struggled with speech and balance. The Eichenholzs signed up for the Cocoa Beach surf session – one of 11 beachside locales in Florida hosted by Surfers For Autism. The session went so well that the family, including daughter Ella, attended three additional sessions that same summer. Now 8, Jonathan flashes a megawatt smile every time he rides the waves! “It’s scary to let your son, who can’t really talk, go into the ocean with a bunch of strangers; but Jonathan just chills out in the ocean,” Jason Eichenholz said, regarding his son’s third consecutive year as a surfer. “If we can get him calm and looking forward to something, it goes much easier. With surfing, he’s up at 5 am, dressed, and ready to go!”

Founded in 2007 and based in Boca Raton, Surfers For Autism supports autism research, awareness, and advocacy while working directly with children diagnosed with the disorder and their families. Using wide surfboards donated annually by Global Surf Industries, the children build core strength and, in turn, improve their coordination and balance. Three surfers buffer each rider – one to choose the waves, another to steer the surfboard, and a third to catch the board at the shoreline and push the rider back into the ocean.

The organization hosted its inaugural event in 2008 in Deerfield Beach with 40 surfers and raised an impressive $10,000 for autism charities. Now, single events can register upwards of 200 surfers and generate over $20,000, while hosting between 3,000-5,000 people from upwards of 10 states and five countries. Events are capped at 200 children (with autism) to participate, so signing up in itself is competitive. “We are a cult, but in the best connotation of the word,” said Dave Rossman, director of communication with Surfers For Autism. “Families plan their whole summers or years around our events.” That enthusiasm could be due to the beneficial changes parents see in their children after attending a surfing session. In fact, some children have made remarkable progress such as verbalization of their first words or displays of independence like getting their own beverage at home. “These things are huge for some of the children,” Rossman said. “There’s no real scientific basis yet for what we do, but what it does for these children and families is without words.”

The Eichenholzs can attest to the waves of success stemming from Jonathon’s sessions. When first diagnosed at age 3, Jonathan repetitively switched lights on and off or opened and closed doors. Development and activities that came easily for his sister were difficult for him. “We do a lot of therapy so it’s hard to pinpoint what is helping,” Robyn Eichenholz said. “But people say surfing uses both sides of the brain, and his language has improved over the last two years.” Jonathan’s core strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness has also improved. “It’s one of the best feelings…to see him standing up on the board ─ smiling,” added Jason Eichenholz. “He lights up like a Christmas tree!”

The Surfer For Autism events can also present a vacation opportunity for the entire family to partake in. There are activities for youths of all abilities, including siblings of the children in the program, such as face painting, petting zoo, painting a fire truck, and live music. “It’s really nice because (in some ways) autism families are already isolated,” Robyn Eichenholz explained, whose family goes to four events annually. “We can’t experience things like a normal family. We can go bowling, to Disney, and surfing. This is good for us.”

The event also attracts repeat volunteers. With 13 being the minimum age to volunteer, organizers see whole families diving into events as helpers. Rossman said volunteers are a huge part of the organization’s continual success and growth. For example, a sorority from the University of Central Florida will bring pledges to the June event in Cocoa Beach. Surfers For Autism is, of course, seeking partnerships with sponsors and generous donations. “If you ever want to know where your money goes, come to one of our beach parties,” encouraged Rossman. “Simply put your feet in the sand and see where the funds go.” Please visit  HYPERLINK “http://SurfersForAutism.org” SurfersForAutism.org or  HYPERLINK “http://www.facebook.com/surfersforautism” Facebook.com/SurfersForAutism.

Upcoming Surfers For Autism events:

• 5/10 Ocean Cay Park, Jupiter
• 5/31  Stuart Public Beach, Stuart
• 6/21  Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach
• 7/12  Treasure Island Beach, Treasure Island
• 8/2    Ponce Inlet
• 8/16  Flagler Beach Pier, Flagler Beach
• 9/6    Tybee Island Beach Pier & Pavilion, Tybee Island, GA
• 9/20  Hampton Inn Oceanfront, Jacksonville Beach
• 10/11 Vanderbilt Beach, Naples
• 10/25  Crescent Beach Family Park, Ft. Myers
• 11/15  Carolina, Puerto Rico