Surfing the Spectrum is a unique initiative that aims to introduce people with autism to the therapeutic benefits of surfing while also teaching vital ocean awareness skills.

The event will be held at One Mile Beach on Saturday, November 21 and will be supported by Great Lakes Surf School.

Co-founder, director and paediatric occupational therapist Aimee Blacker expects around 60 families to attend.

She said surfing brought a range of unique benefits to people with autism.

"For most of us, our balance, vision and posture take care of themselves, but for autistic people, their sensory systems are a continuous challenge, as they are constantly overloaded by sensory input," she said.

"Surfing enables autistic people the ability to learn to move fluently in challenging environments.

"The ocean provides respite from the constant attack their senses experience every day, allowing time for them to connect with their body in a fun, unstructured, exploratory environment."

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Ms Blacker said the day was also open to the siblings of autistic children in an effort to include them in the fun.

"We understand the sacrifices, time and love they put aside for their brother or sister with additional needs, often missing out on the joy of events such as this," she said.

Ms Blacker urged interested families to contact the organisation at info@surfingthespectrum.org for further details.

She also encouraged any members of the local surf community who wanted to be involved to get in contact.

Registration is open now at the Surfing the Spectrum website.

Simon Basile at the Great Lakes Surf School can also be contacted on 0427 823 029

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