One organization in Pana is helping children with autism develop critical skills despite the challenges they face.  It’s called the Autism And Movement Project, or AAMP.  The organization focuses on Autism Movement Therapy which is believed to help the brain develop more easily.  

Erica Matthews founded AAMP after meeting a boy named Connor, whose aide in early childhood was her mother.  Connor experienced several significant developmental challenges, until Matthews stepped in.  

Despite the name, AAMP is designed for people with a variety of developmental challenges.  They tailor their services for each individual child.

An overall goal of the program is for each child to grow and develop such that they can live life and have the same positive experiences as their neurotypical peers.  As Matthews explains, this journey has allowed many kids at AAMP to live out what she calls “beautiful moments.”

Working with kids who have special needs brings a unique set of challenges for instructors and aides.  Matthews says this draws her towards her work instead of away from it. 

More information on AAMP is available on their Facebook page. 

Erica Matthews appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.