Rock climbing wall for autistic kids

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Story Published: Jun 3, 2009 at 7:19 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jun 3, 2009 at 7:19 PM MDT

By Araksya Karapetyan

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AMMON - "Gives them a chance to practice their fine motor skills and able to fine tune what their hands and their feet are doing," says Shannon Jenkins, parent.

Shannon Jenkins is talking about a new rock climbing wall, specifically designed for autistic kids.

"They think they're playing and yet they're learning at the same time," says Lindsay, an autism teacher.

Learning things like trust.

"If they fall they will be held and then they also have to listen for directions."

And how to follow directions.

"Orange path, they'll start here and depending on their ability level we'll have them go straight up and touch all of these orange up there on the top."

"I was pretty hesitant at first," says Jenkins.

But Shannon's six-year-old is a pretty active kid, so she quickly realized this might be just the thing for him.

"Gives him a chance to get away from academics and a chance to refocus and regenerate," says Jenkins.

"Children with autism have a lot of sensory needs and if they are moving while they're learning, they'll actually retain more, then if they're just sitting at the desk and just hearing it or seeing it."

"Gives him a break which is what he need," says Jenkins.

And that break is what helps these kids learn.
This rock climbing wall is the first of its kind here in Idaho Falls. There are 12 autistic kids in the program who will soon get to try it out.

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