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Dozens of children living with autism got a chance to play baseball Saturday, at an Ozone Park event hosted by a local little league organization and the New York Families of Autistic Children.As part of the little league's "challenger" division, the games with no umpires or "outs" to ensure that everybody is safe, and players are encouraged to have a good time.
“It's just something nice to do and it gives back to the community,” said Terrence Flanagan, president of the W.O.R.K.S. Little League. “A lot of the parents from speaking to them, they don't realize that they are activities out there that are offered to them."
“Well, I like to go on the field, to get the ball, so they can be out,” said player James Hernandez.
“It's like you have to practice hitting onto the ball so you can get a good hit. And if you get a good hit you'll probably get it over the fence like in Shea Stadium," said player Thomas Latham.
One of the major challenges for kids with autism are issues with socialization skills and parents say the baseball diamond helps to give them another place to fit in.
"It's just an opportunity for them to be out and have fun and to feel like a kid without the therapies and the restraints they have in the real world, more or less," said NYFAC parent Row Jansen.
The league is open to children ages 5 to 16. Organizers say baseball helps the children with their social skills and gives them another opportunity to meet friends.
