When Karina Rodriguez was looking for an activity she could share with her daughter, Samantha, who has autism, she turned to something she knew well - running.
Now the hobby that helped open opportunities for Samantha is getting results for other kids too.
Rodriguez started the Arbor School Achievers Running Club earlier this year.
“It’s a beautiful day out here and the kids are doing amazing,” Rodriguez said as she led a group of about a dozen kids around the Arbor School of Central Florida’s Lake Mary parking lot.
[RELATED: Nominate someone for the Getting Results Award]
Twice a week Rodriguez and running coach, Michael O’Shaughnessy, or Coach “O” as the kids call him, lead the students through stretching exercises before setting out on a about a 20-minute run and walk.
“The main purpose was to get Samantha involved in a physical activity. So I started to coach her and then we started to do marathons,” Rodriguez explained. “Then I had the idea to help other kids be part of a running club, and for them to experience some of the same benefits that we experienced.”
Those benefits, according to Rodriguez, include Samantha’s anxiety has gone away and now she no longer needs medication for it.
Rodriguez said she also wanted her daughter and other kids with learning disabilities to feel included in a group activity.
“Kids with autism, sometimes they’re not included in group settings. That has been my experience. It happened to my daughter as she was growing up,” Rodriguez said. “This way they can build their self-esteem and confidence by being part of a team. At the same time, they can make some friends along the way.”
Rodriguez and her daughter completed three marathons together including the Chicago and New York City Marathons.
The group is training for the Special Olympics and a 5K later this year.
“They try hard. They give it all they have. I’m proud of each and every one of them,” O’Shaughnessy said. “They can do whatever they want. They’re all achievers. that’s why we have it on their shirts.”
Makayla Mirisola, 11, had her green Arbor School Achievers shirt on as well as a pair of pink socks. She had no problem keeping pace with Coach “O.”
“It’s getting easier for me,” Makayla said. “I’m getting stronger each time I do it.”
Makayla said being in the club has already made a big difference in her life. “Ever since I came to this running club things have been changing a lot,” Makayla said. “I’ve been getting more friends. Lots of people want to be around me. It’s been happy for me.”
Rodriguez says that’s the point.
“I just want to tell parents that have a child with autism, never give up on them. Give them a chance to show their talents. They just need a chance to blossom. I just want the community to include them because they’re capable of doing anything,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez hopes her story will encourage other parents to start running clubs in their communities.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: