Bike lessons? (ADHD/balance issues/anxiety/Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder)
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Anonymous
| We're looking for someone to teach DS 8 to ride a bike. He has anxiety, ADHD, social pragmatic communication disorder, and struggles with balance. We are in N Arlington, but will travel to DC, MD, or other parts of NOVA for the right person. We'd really love to find someone who has experience teaching a child like this. DS really wants to learn. TIA! |
Anonymous
| Mr Ricardo at life changing fitness in Falls Church! |
Anonymous
Apologies if you've already tried to teach him, or if you have considered this and decided that it would be best to have someone else try, but if you're interested, a few suggestions based on my experience with a child with some of the same issues: The best way to start is having the child push off the ground with his feet. For a smaller child, there are push bikes; for older children, just remove the pedals (https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/teach-child-to-ride-a-bike.html) Second, there are handles that can attach to the back of a bike (https://www.amazon.com/Balance-Buddy-31264002-Adjustable/dp/B000MISWIW/ref=asc_df_B000MISWIW/) so that an adult can help. If possible, find a surface that is smooth and soft, like grass or dirt. It's harder to ride than on pavement, but it's less scary than hard pavement. In our case, it took my son about twice as long as his siblings to learn. |
Anonymous
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This program is awesome!
https://icanshine.org/ |
Anonymous
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This was life changing! In 1 week independent bike riding and they made it fun too. |
Anonymous
We did the REI program. It took us two sessions. She was almost there by the end of one, but really needed just a little more time. She has all the same diagnoses as your child. I would consider doing a first round, practicing the skills at your home, and then doing a second round if they aren't pedaling yet. |
Anonymous
Completely agree. I had 2 kids that went through the program and it was amazing. I'd set ticklers on my calendar every month to check to see if/when a program was scheduled for my area. Can't say enough good things about them - and at no cost! |
Anonymous
^^PP here. I forgot to add that 1 kids was eager to learn. The 2nd kid was incredibly anxious about it and had to be pushed to attend. Because of the rollers they use, he was able to develop confidence in biking. We still had a lot more 'homework' with him than the 1st kid but he's a good rider now at 12. |
Anonymous
Looks like there is a $200 fee for the camp in Leesburg, VA but the Takoma park camp is free for MD residents |
Anonymous
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I don't know if he has experience with kids with your diagnoses, OP, but a friend runs a private bike lesson business in Arlington and I think he would be very good--he's very patient and calm.
https://fatherknowsbike.com/ |
Anonymous
2nd PP here. Wow! I wasn't aware there were any fees with any of the camps. My kids did it at no cost (total of 3 times) although we did donate $35. FCPS hosted the camps at area middle schools as part of their after school program. Students were 'coaches' and paired with riders. I noticed Leesburg was the closest camp - If I was still looking for a camp, I'd put a tickler on the calender to check every couple of weeks. Slots usually fill up really quickly. Although, at $200, I would have been priced out. |
Anonymous
| We are going to try REI class in Farifsx next month. Its pricy, $100. But it has good reviews. It not for SN kids. We thought it doesn't hurt to try. |
Anonymous
Good luck! Let us know how it goes! |