Autism Spectrum Disorder

Adventures in Autism; 4wk Kayak Program

Specifics about this course:

Unlike previous "kayak pool parties" for kids with Autism, this will be a formal, structured clinic.

This clinic is open to anyone with ASD, age 12 and up, and their friends, family members or caregivers

Class will consist of 8 students with ASD, up to 8 non-ASD peer students, friends, family members or caregivers, 2 kayak instructors and ~8 volunteer assistants.

Dates for the clinic are below; each on Saturday afternoon.

  • Week 1:  March 24th, 4:30 - 6pm @ Los Altos Pool
  • Week 2:  April 7th, 4:30 - 6pm @ Los Altos Pool
  • Week 3:  April 21st, 4:30 - 6pm @ Los Altos Pool
  • Week 4:  May 5th, 4:30 - 6pm @ Los Altos Pool

Other important dates:

Kelly is someone who knows the sport of kayaking and is able to teach in a safe, effective and fun way.  Not only did the girls have a total blast, but they learned the names for all parts of their kayak and equipment, how to safely enter and exit a kayak, how to help someone else who may be in trouble, what to do in inclement weather and how to best move through the water (to name a few).  We had our last Girl Scout meeting of the year last week, and when I asked the girls what their favorite experience was over the last 3 years, 75% chose kayaking.  I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cris Todd  -  Girl Scout Troop #1521

I chose NMKI because of Kelly's professionalism and strong attention to detail.  I find this very important as it relates to safety.  I would never trust anyone other than Kelly to provide instruction to myself or for my 12 year old son, Navada.  We felt very safe and well guided under the direction of Kelly.  I would tell others if they ever hesitated to try kayaking, River Boarding or any kind of paddling to first take a course with Kelly and rest assured they will be in good hands.

Nina Perea

New Mexico Kayak Instruction, a service provider at Camp Rising Sun, is pleased to offer another "Kayaking Pool Party" for all persons living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  

Kayaking is the perfect low-impact recreational, physical and social activity the whole family can enjoy togehter.  Come and observe....or come and join in on the fun!

Benefits include:

  • Builds Courage, Confidence and Character

Kayak Pool Party for persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Autism Programs at UNM's Center for Development & Disability has partnered with New Mexico Kayak Instruction, a service provider at Camp Rising Sun, to offer two unique "Kayak Pool Parties" for all persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Kayaking is the perfect low-impact recreational, social and physical activity the whole family can enjoy together.  Come and observe, or come and join in the fun.

March 26th, 9 - 11am, Rio Grande Indoor Pool
April 23rd, 9 - 11am, Rio Grande Indoor Pool

Benefits include:

This is without a doubt the best outdoor class I have ever taken. Kelly and his team are totally skilled as teachers. I plan to sign up for every class I can with this team. My enjoyment and skill level immediately improved after one day. I didn't realize I was using body memory from paddling a canoe many years ago that were not good practice with a kayak. Take these classes! They're a great return on investment and a whole lot of fun besides!--Kate O'Neill, 54yo teacher
Kate O'Neil  -  Teacher / UNM Taos
My girl approached the class as 'something my dad signed me up for and I don’t want to go', but she had a blast and wants to do it again.
Robert Miller  -  Dad of a Girl Scout

Kayak Pool Party for persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Autism Programs at UNM's Center for Development & Disability has partnered with New Mexico Kayak Instruction, a service provider at Camp Rising Sun, to offer two unique "Kayak Pool Parties" for all persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Kayaking is the perfect low-impact recreational, social and physical activity the whole family can enjoy together.  Come and observe, or come and join in the fun.

March 26th, 9 - 11am, Rio Grande Indoor Pool
April 23rd, 9 - 11am, Rio Grande Indoor Pool

Benefits include:

You guys rock!!!  I couldn't wait another minute to tell you how much fun the girls had last night!  What a great lesson!  We didn't even need the games because they enjoyed what they were doing so much.  One of the coolest things was seeing girls who were a little bit timid, feel comfortable enough to try things that they normally wouldn't have tried.  What a great time!  Well done all!

Cris Todd  -  Girl Scout Troop #1521
I would wholeheartedly recommend this course. I would also recommend they have several adults in the water, and several "shore-side" as there seemed to be more things to do that I would have expected. Not only for the girls' confidence, but helping turn around the kayaks, getting the girls in and out, etc. 
Kathleen Tighe-Smith  -  Troop #10228, Brownies, Albuquerque, NM

This class is offered in conjunction with UNM's Health Science Center and The Autism Programs to allow young adults, 16 years old and over, to participate in a 6wk kayak instruction program. Not only will these individuals and their caregivers and peers learn to kayak, they'll also work on balance and agility skills, eye/hand coordination, social and team-building skills and will help them prepare for outdoor adventures with their families and caregivers.

Kayak Pool Class for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

I chose NMKI because of Kelly's professionalism and strong attention to detail.  I find this very important as it relates to safety.  I would never trust anyone other than Kelly to provide instruction to myself or for my 12 year old son, Navada.  We felt very safe and well guided under the direction of Kelly.  I would tell others if they ever hesitated to try kayaking, River Boarding or any kind of paddling to first take a course with Kelly and rest assured they will be in good hands.

Nina Perea

Kelly is very articulate with great attention to detail.  He comes highly recommended by those who have attended his courses.

Galen Knight  -  Assistant Organizer - Camping and Adventure Social Meetup group
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