10

November 2015


ASD Kids Kiwisport Basketball Programme


Dear Sir or Madam,

We are the Musto family, Shirley, Carl, Emily and Morgan. Emily is 12 and Morgan has
just turned 7. Morgan has a diagnosis of ASD, ADHD and dyspraxia. We started
attending the ASD kids basketball in October of 2014.

The impacts of the above diagnosis for Morgan include developmental delays, difficulty
paying attention, difficulty following instructions, impulsive and combative behaviours.
For these reasons Morgan is not able to attend mainstream sports.

This programme has been a huge benefit to our family and to Morgan. The programme
is structured to teach basketball skills and participation in a team, the same types of
skills you would get in mainstream sports but with all the accommodations required for
the kids. Morgan will come and go from the activities as necessary and the coaches have
got to know Morgan so well they are able to predict what will be difficult for him and
adjust as necessary. The main aim for us as a family is participation, learn ball skills and
have fun.

Other benefits that have resulted from basketball are working on Morgans upper body
strength (which is lacking), learning to follow structured rules out of a school
environment, preserving when faced with a challenge, learning a new skill and
connection to other children for Morgan, and other parents for us. It has provided an
informal support network for us parents. While the children are playing we have been
able to get information on schooling and other issues facing families in our position.

We would love for the basketball to continue, not only does is provide the only
opportunity available to us to attend a sport but it also provides structure to our
weekends that we as a family can all be involved in.

We owe a massive thank you to the coaches, Nick and Claire for their wonderful support
of our children. They continue on through the childrens challenging moments in such a
supportive way that allows the kids to maintain their dignity to join back in when able.
This is such a unique skill and we are so fortunate to have access to them.

I would also like to thank Mary who has provided the opportunity. Mary has supported
us and provided non-judgemental advice on how best to push through difficult times
again with the aim of participation. We have been able to learn from her vast experience
and knowledge around Autism.

We have many extra costs as a family with various therapies and additional costs
relating to supporting our child, so to have a subsidised programme to attend in such
wonderful facilities is very much appreciated.

This is Morgan participating and playing alongside another child.

Thank you again to all involved in making this possible.

Kind regards



Shirley Musto
021 454 260