14 | www.WellnessCenterMagazine.com A group of local teens and young adults gathered virtually for the start of their weekly MUSC Wellness Center program. Conversation began informally; folks talked about how their week had been going and then eased into discussion about things they were thankful for. Over the last few weeks, members of this group had become friends through Piece It Together, a comprehensive wellness program for teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and other mild neurodevelopmental disabilities. For most kids, the transition to the teen and young adult years can be difficult to navigate, but, for those with ASD or other disabilities, the challenges can be even greater, especially if they don’t have a strong peer or community support network. Piece It Together offers participants the connection to peers and to the support they crave. Although the program began in person, PIT sessions now are virtual. Participants meet once a week for approximately six weeks, with each session lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Through a formal curriculum, participants acquire new physical fitness skills, discuss how to develop healthier eating habits and reduce stress and learn ways to maintain healthy sleeping habits. “There are anywhere from six to 12 participants, and they really get to know each other,” explained Galen Bennett, assistant fitness director at the MUSC Wellness Center. Ian Riddle, a recent PIT participant, benefited in a variety of ways. “First, Ian was able to communicate with the group by typing in his comments and questions,” his mother, Lisa, explained. “This is important for Ian because he takes a long time to warm up in social situations. In other settings, the activity might be done before he feels comfortable enough to participate. By allowing him to text, he was relaxed enough to participate fully in the activity.” Bennett most enjoys seeing teens and young adults build friendships and make healthier lifestyle choices. For many, PIT is an avenue for participants to broaden their social skills and learn positive ways to improve their mood and find more moments of calm. “We keep track of how everyone is doing,” Bennett said. “We ask them weekly what activities they liked or didn’t like and how the session may have helped them learn some new skills.” Lisa Riddle credits PIT with helping her son gain a number of lifelong skills. “He did a fantastic job with yoga and really seemed to enjoy it, and it was great to see his improvement over the course of the program,” she said. “This is something we are encouraging him to continue. Hopefully, it is a lifelong exercise for him. Ian has been keeping a food log ever since he has been involved in PIT, and we are encouraging him to use it to make good food choices.” As a peer mentor in PIT, Clay Seim of Charleston has a strong connection to the program. “I started a decade ago as a participant but have since grown into a much larger role,” Seim said. “It’s meaningful for participants when staff speak to them, but I can really tell them this is what I’ve done and how it has helped me. I have lived the experience and can help others achieve what they want out of the program.” Bennett noted that “although a virtual program is a little more challenging in terms of available equipment, we are very creative in the exercises we are doing. There are also some advantages to a virtual program for participants who would rather not meet in a group or for those with transportation issues.” Seim added that “the structure of the PIT program is key. You know you are expected somewhere at a certain day and time. Participating may start as an obligation, but then talking with friends and doing physical activity can change how you feel.” “By working on life skills and coping skills, people realize they may not be as limited as they think they are,” Seim continued. “They may realize they are not being fair to themselves and give themselves some grace.” ◆ Wellness Center note of thanks: The program would not have been possible without the generosity of Crews Subaru of Charleston. Learn more: Galen Bennett, assistant fitness director, MUSC Wellness Center • [email protected] By Lisa Wack TEENS PIECE IT TOGETHER Learn more: Galen Bennett, assistant fitness director, MUSC Wellness Center • [email protected] PIT is an avenue for participants to broaden their social skills and learn positive ways to improve their mood and find more moments of calm.
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