Golf proves a wonder for the challenge of ADHD, autism and more
By Ken MacLeod
Golfers know intuitively that despite its many frustrations, the sport is a wonderful balm for our mental health. The unique challenges it offers, the opportunities to interact with friends, test yourself against the course, weather, competition and most of all yourself, all part of a lifelong journey to improve and cope.
Turns out trying to twist yourself into a corkscrew to successfully advance a little white ball down a fairway and into a tiny hole is just the ticket to unlocking greater functionality, coordination, social development and other benefits for those coping with autism, ADHD and other mental and physical issues.
That’s what led to an amazing scene at Page Belcher Golf Course in Tulsa Thursday evening as Lilli Higgins, an Oklahoma State graduate, certified recreational therapist and life-long recreational golfer, brought her company NeuroDrive, LLC to the course.
There long-time patients and newcomers went through a variety of stations designed to introduce the fundamentals of the game and physical challenges such as an obstacle course. On hand to offer help, guidance and encouragement were area PGA and LPGA professionals and a host of other volunteers from her organization and the community at large. Leading the effort to put it together was Page Belcher Director of Golf Mark Budler.
Higgins said she began incorporating golf into her treatment programs four years ago and working with OSU last year to begin gathering data to buttress her observations that the game was dramatically helping her charges.
“The early results have been amazing,” she said. “It’s been so impressive for kids with ADHD and autism primarily from improved motor planning, executive functions, social skills, all the things that golf naturally targets.”
Budler was helping her with her own game and when she told him about NeuroDrive he was eager to help, opening doors at both Page Belcher and Mohawk Park, the two courses under the Sidorakis Golf management team.
Higgins described her company is an outpatient therapy clinic where all the therapists specialize in recreational therapy and using structured leisure to reach goals. The mix of children being introduced to golf Thursday was a mix of regulars and newcomers who had learned of the event through promotion on social media.
Those who would like to learn more about NeuroDrive and its treatment options, the company can be reached at 918-232-9402 and the website is neurodrivegolf.com
