Keswick is an active, happy, six-and-a-half-year-old boy.  Keswick is also on the autism spectrum. As a result, social interactions, communication and bonding with others can be challenging.  

Keswick attends the KEEN Sports program in Springfield, VA where he is paired one to one with volunteer coaches at each session to participate, exercise and have fun.  Mom Erin shares, “We really like the program because it is one on one. Keswick often has trouble with large groups and noise. The program’s one-to-one approach makes it easier for him to talk and interact.”

KEEN Sports provides an opportunity for Keswick to work on his social skills in an environment where he feels comfortable.  He enjoys socializing with his teenaged and college student volunteer coaches. “KEEN allows him to practice communication in a natural way.  Therapies are great, but therapy is structured. I love that KEEN is not super structured. The biggest thing for our son is letting him hang out with people and figuring things out himself with other people, and without mom and dad.” Erin explains.  

Erin, Keswick and their family have found a welcome community in KEEN.  “I have met so many other parents.  It is nice to have a new community of people who understand.  You feel accepted. And the volunteers, I am always touched that so many people come out and want to be with our kids and help.”