Swimming program aids autistic adults

Jamestowner leads effort at Newport Boys & Girls Club


PERROTTI

PERROTTI

Among the many challenges facing parents of autistic children is finding an inclusive place for their adult sons and daughters to be physically active.

For Jamestown parents plagued with this problem, there is a solution right across the bay.

The Boys & Girls Club of Newport County has introduced an adaptive swimming and workout program for adults suffering from the developmental disorder. Led by Seaside Drive resident Chris Perrotti, the club’s director of operations, the six-week series incorporates 45 minutes of swim and 45 minutes in the gym to improve motor skills, encourage social interaction and nurture teamwork.

Perrotti, a founding member of the Rhode Island Autism Project, said he learns something every day as a father. He is proud to pay this forward by sharing the knowledge he has gained while raising John, his 21-year-old autistic son.

“My wife and I have had many opportunities over the years to share our experience and guide families in the best direction,” he said.

Perrotti served for nearly a decade on the board of the Autism Project, which is committed to making sure schools and organizations are embracing these special Rhode Islanders. He knows firsthand the value of this inclusion.

“Jamestown was one of the first school systems to pioneer this philosophy,” he said. “It has done wonders for my son’s education and social skills.”

Perrotti, who recently was certified as an adaptive swimming instructor, wants to expand the program he oversees at the Boys & Girls Club. As president of the Jamestown Baseball Association, he is considering launching an adaptive program at the Lawn Avenue diamonds.

“One of my goals is to have a challenger team for young boys and girls like my son so they can enjoy the great game of baseball as normal kids do,” he said.

Perrotti said the adaptive program at the Church Street club, now in its second session, has delivered positive results.

“It allows the adults in the community to participate in something that they normally would not have a chance to do,” he said.

Perrotti said the mission of the Boys & Girls Club, which has about 30 Jamestown members, is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need help most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

The adaptive program is also facilitated by Ryley van der Velde, a Newporter who comes from the Special Olympics office in Hamden, Conn. She is an assistant field hockey coach at Salve Regina.

The program is from 6-7:30 p.m. every Monday through Dec. 17. The cost is $60. To register, call Perrotti at 847-6927 ext. 131.