Kids with autism get into golf in Hoffman Estates

Jason Kelly, 16, of Schaumburg wears headphones to keep himself calm around unexpected noises, but he had no trouble staying focused and concentrating in the hitting bay during a recent golf lesson.

"He's never golfed before," his mother, Jill, said. "We like him to experience different things. He's doing so well here, I think we could take him mini-golfing. We could do it as a family."

The golf lesson was one in a six-week series sponsored by Kids' Golf Foundation and Giant Steps, a school in Lisle for students on the autism spectrum. Together, they have designed a series of lessons adapted for students with autism spectrum disorders.

This was the first golf clinic held at the AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Hospital in Hoffman Estates, site of its Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center. It served more than 1,000 individuals last year.

The Mayo Clinic describes autism spectrum disorder as a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. The term "spectrum" refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.

The resource center provides full screenings, assessments and consultations, as well as social skills groups and a popular, year-round martial arts class for its clients.

"The martial arts, and now the golf, give our clients an opportunity to do a sport in an environment that is conducive to them," said Maria Bellantuono, clinical director of autism resource center.

She pointed to the health and social benefits of golf, but mostly those on the autism spectrum like it because of its structure.

"It provides a sense of calmness and routine," said Garrett Slemmons, a senior director with Giant Steps. "Kids with autism thrive on routine."

All six lessons stayed within the same routine. They opened by reviewing the rules before students did stretching exercises to warm up. They took practice swings without a club before stepping up to the hitting bay.

Early lessons started with putting and chipping toward targets before gradually working up to trying a full swing.

Aidan Toy, a 13-year-old from Schaumburg, admitted this was not his first time taking golf lessons. He also participates in golf through Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54's Special Olympics program.

"You should see his swing," Slemmons said of Aidan. "It's beautiful."

Perfecting his swing and the chance to get more touches on the ball drew Aidan's family to sign him up for the free lessons.

"I want to be able to hit straight down the fairway," Aidan said.

One family made the trip each week from Tinley Park for the golf lessons. Their adult son, Nathan Rossetti, uses a communication device to express himself and one of the stories he likes to share on it is about his golf lessons.

His parents said they were surprised at how seriously he took the instruction, and how much he enjoyed it. After each round of hitting, he returned to his parents laughing and smiling and giving them high-fives.

"We've really appreciated how structured and organized the classes are," said his mother, Suzanne. "It's helped him stay focused. I'm surprised that he's been so receptive to it."

Giant Steps and Kids' Golf have partnered on several other golf clinics. At each one, organizers limit the number of participants so instructors can work on social skills as much as the golf technique.

On average, they said, more than half the participants are able to advance to the next level. Ultimately, the goal is to take students out on a real golf course.