IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Spring 2017 • Volume 4, Issue 2
Unplug and Get Moving! Message from Director Mindy Govan
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community.
For more information: Mindy Govan, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 mgovan@autismsociety-nc.org www.ignite-davidson.org www.autismsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036
Health, nutrition, and exercise are areas that often become neglected by individuals on the autism spectrum as they transition into adulthood. Electronic devices and the internet have captured most of our members’ free time. As a result, adults with autism have higher rates of obesity and overall poorer health, studies show. Avoidance of physical activity can be attributed to many factors: • Sensory aversion to heat or sweat • Lack of time management to plan for activities • Difficulty with public places and people • Lack of awareness about the types of activities available • Lack of knowledge of the positive impact of physical activity on overall health To combat these issues, we have added a health and wellness focus to daily programming at IGNITE. We offer walking groups of various distances, and we log the overall miles achieved on a chart so members can track their progress. Staff-led exercise groups have been added to provide members the ability to work out in a non-public environment, and we continue to participate in group workouts at Champions Sports Performance. For members who prefer to work out individually, we have structured, self-guided workouts with charts to monitor progress available at all times. Cooking classes are educating members on sanitary food handling and preparation skills as well as basic cooking skills. The recipes are modified to include concrete, visually structured steps that aid in independence. The variety of recipes expose our members to new foods, and members are showing a willingness to try the foods they make. The nutritional components of each recipe are reviewed at the start of each group. Our members are encouraged to use the USDA My Plate Healthy Eating Checklist to learn about their personal specific nutritional needs. At IGNITE we are providing education, exposure, and opportunities for our members to unplug and get moving!