In La Union, surfing therapy for children with special needs

Children with special needs, such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Down Syndrome, took part in a different kind of therapy involving the beach and surfboards in La Union.

Teachers from the SJL (San Juan, La Union) Therapeutic Education and Management Learning Center took their students out on the shores for surfing lessons.

They said these surfing lessons supplement existing therapies being taught to children in terms of developing their motor skills and social integration.

Therapists also believe that the sea and water pressure have calming effects that add to the child's sensory integration.

The group believes that allowing the children time out under the sun can also improve their condition and self-esteem.

"We believe that every child, whatever their condition may be, can do anything if they put their minds to it. They can surf or do other things, while many of us think that they can't," said Jenny Paguyo, the center's administrator.

Family members took pictures from the shore, while a team of coaches and therapists accompanied the children on the sea, teaching them the basics of paddling, balancing and safely riding the waves.

"We're happy seeing our son free and enjoying these events. It feels like he has no hearing disability at all," said Christina Labara, a mother of a five-year-old child diagnosed with hearing loss.

The center, which takes care of more than 60 children, also allows them to experience supervised community interactions like market visits and mall tours.

They said that getting the special needs children integrated with the community will help break some stigmas associated with them. — Reuters