Giving Back by Going Fly Fishing

Frustration, anger, ridicule, watching eyes. These are things that you and I may or may not deal with every day, but to a child with Autism it can be sadly the norm. Now mind you, I am no expert nor a doctor but after working many years with adolescence living with this disorder I’ve seen firsthand all of the things I’ve mentioned and more.

So what do you do when you see this day in and day out? When you see the frustration building out of a sometimes inability to convey a want or a need? Well if you're me you try to relate, you try and stop and think about what are the things I do when I feel stressed or angry? I fish.

Fly Fishing Therapy for Kids

So I took it upon myself to share my love of fly fishing in hopes that maybe they will also enjoy the therapeutic nature of my passion. Now mind you, some of these kids had never touched a fishing rod of any type, never held a fish nor maybe ever really enjoyed being outdoors, so needless to say it was an undertaking, but after a few times out after a few frustrating moments and at times what seems to be a total lack of interest, something happened.... “FISH ON”.

To see the look on the face of a kid that sometimes may not show emotion, or the only emotion that is prominent has been fear or anger, this look was priceless and inspiring. Joy, excitement and happiness took over and for that moment we were not defined by a disorder but rather defined as something else...a fisherman/woman.

So in the past few months my wife (whom is a children's therapist) and myself have been trying to put together a group of these amazing kids to get together once a month to leave all of the other “life” stuff behind and to simply go fishing.

David Jolie and RiverBum have offered their help in any way I need and that’s so very appreciated and amazing, but now I ask you for a favor. Not monetary, just human... Will you take a step today and try to make a difference in someone's life? No matter the circumstance no matter how small it may seem. Share your passion, share your time.

I’ll keep you informed on our progress.