Askate Foundation
The Askate Foundation (formerly Concrete Cures and A.Skate Foundation) is a program which works around the country to introduce skateboarding to children with autism. It was founded in 2009 by Crys Worley and John Pike of Wilmington, North Carolina's Eastern Skateboard Supply. The foundation formerly had offices inside Faith Skate Supply on 2nd Avenue North. Faith owner Peter Karvonen is a founding board member.
Worley, whose daughter Sasha is autistic, found that skating as an activity was a good fit for her abilities. Because it is an individual activity conducted in a group setting, it allows kids some social interaction without the normal social pressures. The activity mirrors many of the practices employed by therapists who work with autistic children, and, in the group's experience, is nearly universally enjoyed by the participants.
A.Skate conducts workshops and clinics around the country, often led by experiences professional skateboarders. It also works with manufacturers and suppliers to provide skating gear at no cost. As a point of contact between the skating community and families with autistic children, a large part of the group's efforts are educational.
In 2012 the foundation announced plans for a special needs-friendly skate park in Jasper. Since it opened in 2022, the group has hosted events at the City Walk skate park.
References
- Avant, Lydia Seabol (May 15, 2010) "Autism group touts skateboarding’s benefits." The Tuscaloosa News
- Nieratko, Chris (June 23, 2010) "A perfect fit: Skateboarding's therapeutic effects on children with autism" ESPN Action Sports
- Phillips, James (January 9, 2012) "Alabama non-profit plans Jasper skateboard park to aid kids with autism." Associated Press/Daily Mountain Eagle
- Pabon, Pat (June 24, 2014) "Askate: Skateboarding Therapy for Children w/Autism." The Hundreds
- Byington, Pat (September 16, 2025) "Adaptive skateboarding clinic at Birmingham’s City Walk inspires." Bham Now
External links
- Askate Foundation website