Addie, owner of Addie’s Studio loves to fundraise and give back to the community. A few things Addie’s Studio is known for is their annual Remodel your Body™ (RYB) event held in March each year. RYB is an event that anyone can participate in and raise money for The Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF).

ATPF is a grass roots foundation located here in San Diego and therefore, the money raised goes to local San Diego families. Addie’s first daughter was diagnosed with Autism back in 2006. From then on it has been a passion for her to help families who have loved ones with this same condition as much as possible.

• In 2008 Addie’s raised $ 9,900

• In 2009 Addie’s raised $ 3,400

• In 2010 Addie’s raised $ 16,040

• In 2011 Addie’s raised $ 8,250

Every quarter Addie’s Studio holds a Women and Wine Event that also benefits the ATPF. There are about 50 to 60 women in attendance. They have an opportunity to enjoy networking while shopping as local women and their businesses showcase their products and services. All in attendance get to mingle while having catered food and a glass of wine.

I love the community and helping out as much as I can through the studio and it feels really good when someone says “thanks for helping out and giving back”, Addie says.

Ivan and AutismFITT

Ivan is a 12 year old non-verbal boy with autism. He started with Addie's AutismFITT Club™ in February of 2011 coming in twice a week for 25 minute sessions. The goals set for Ivan based on his fitness assessment are to work his upper body due to low tone and to work on the core of his body to function properly and effectively for everyday in life.

Ivan's mom Maria contributed her feedback during the fitness evaluation of Ivan because he wouldn't cooperate with the exercises and other movements he was being asked to perform. Maria has remained a strong proponent of the AutismFITT Club™ program even though she has heard from a few people "Why are you even doing the exercise program, what a waste of time?" Maria has seen the progress first hand and says "He loves it and is a great outlet for physical activities."

“I am truly impressed with Ivan and how far he has come already” says Addie. “He used to run outside, lie on the ground and want to leave. Now he does all of the exercises and more, laughs, and is mad when Maria is going to exercise and it isn't his turn.”

Maria now works out at the studio too and is losing weight and getting stronger which does help in managing Ivan’s occasional outbursts. Watch the workout with Ivan on YouTube! As you can see he is doing multi-jointed and multi-dimensional exercises at one time, working all aspects of his body. This represents the type of results most clients with autism achieve over a period of time. The progress varies based on the individual, but for all clients the similarities of successes are monumental.

These types of improvements in coordination, balance, posture, and gait are nominal in comparison to the amount of confidence that most clients do gain as time moves forward. The smiles, laughter, and overall desire to return for more fitness fun are what Addie’s AutismFITT Club™ is all about.

Watch Ivan on YouTube.