A father to autistic children in the Harrogate district has started boxing lessons for people with the condition.
Dean Lund from Knaresborough has two young children who have been diagnosed with autism. He decided he wanted to teach boxing to both children and adults with autism while studying Sport Coaching and Development at Harrogate College.
Mr Lund called his weekly classes ‘The Zone’ and feels that boxing is a great sport for autistic people to focus on as it helps develop fitness and confidence.
Autism is a disability that affects around 700,000 people in the UK.
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Mr Lund has a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified course in Autism, Sport and Physical Activity.
Dean said a qualification from the National Autistic Society was important:
“I needed to know the parameters of autism, how my own boys fall within that, and what to expect when it comes to teaching boxing outside of college.”
“I really want to expand the autism sessions. As its an area that isn’t provided enough, considering how many people have autism”
The Zone provides a safe spaces for people to take a break if their autism is triggered and also teaches boxing in lanes, allowing participants to have their own space.
Parents can come along to do the session with their autistic child.
For more information about ‘The Zone’ click here or email [email protected].
