Surfing is not just a sport, it is also used as therapy for people with autism and other conditions.

This week marked World Autism Awareness Day, a little-known disorder, as few institutions provide comprehensive care for children with autism.

The NGO Waves for Change, which operates in South Africa, has specialized since its founding in 2009 in working with children with different conditions , including autism.

Surf therapy is used to work with children, but rather than teaching them to surf, the goal is for them to engage in deep meditation before entering the water. The exercises include activities such as carefully listening to sounds, breathing exercises, and others.

According to studies on this condition, it has been determined that one in every 100 children worldwide has autism. This disorder is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and especially by the fact that those who have it develop specific skills and interests.

In our country there is a foundation called Waves and Smiles, which works with children in the Caribbean region. This foundation is run by Mike Castro, a father, coach and surfer, but who has mainly stood out for seeking a better quality of life for children in the area.

Castro trained with the NGO Waves and Chance, from South Africa, where he was certified in the concepts of Surf Therapy and learned specific fundamentals for the intervention of surfing in the behavior of children.

The Costa Rican foundation Waves and Smiles works with children and has greatly helped to generate smiles in children with some disorder.

“At our foundation, we act as a filter, where parents inform us of their child's actual condition. From there, we assess whether the child requires 100%, 75%, or 50% assisted care. If the child requires 50%, we assign one of our instructors to be fully present with them, allowing them to experience emotions, laugh, and participate in activities that encourage socialization, emotional expression, and play. This, combined with the surfing sessions, creates a very positive effect, enabling them to interact better in life. Autism encompasses a wide range of cases, so our approach is highly personalized based on each child's specific needs,” stated Mike Castro, founder of Waves and Smiles Costa Rica.

The condition of autism is very complex; however, if it is addressed in the right way, it can contribute to better interaction for a person who has it.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero