Henry Petrie is an 8-year-old boy with autism who is also an ice skater. He learned to ice skate with the support and guidance of a special-needs teacher. Petrie’s ice skating has helped him improve his focus, balance and motor skills, while having fun, according to his teacher.
Petrie ice skates at the Culver City Ice Rink, 4545 Sepulveda Blvd., and began carving up the ice nine months ago and has learned a routine set to music and is working on his second ice skating skills test. His parents say they believe that the sport is the perfect activity for their autistic son.
The Center for Disease Control estimates 1 in 110 children in the United States are diagnosed with developmental disabilities.