A unique initiative designed to introduce children with autism to the therapeutic benefits of surfing, the event also attracted an enthusiastic response from local volunteers.

Surfing the Spectrum co-founder, director and paediatric occupational therapist Aimee Blacker said it was great to see members of the local surf community, disability support workers and other keen volunteers get involved.

"It was really great to see a positive community spirit," Ms Blacker said.

"It was exciting for us to to have so many local people on board."

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The event was co-hosted by Great Lakes Surf School and attracted families from Wingham, Taree and various parts of the Great Lakes.

Ms Blacker said the session brought a number of visible benefits to the kids, with their anxiety quickly giving way to enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.

She said conditions weren't ideal, with an incoming tide making things a little tricky, but it was still manageable enough for the kids to experience the thrill of catching some waves.

"The kids did really well," she said.

"They all had a positive experience."

Ms Blacker said the response from the families was also positive.

"We had some really great feedback from the parents and the families," she said.

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Ms Blacker said there were plans in place to bring the initiative back to Forster in the future, but she was also encouraging interested families to continue enjoying the benefits of surfing with Great Lakes Surf School.

She said a number of children had shown an interest in going surfing again.

"I think there are a couple of them who want surfboards for Christmas," she said.

Surfing the Spectrum is a not-for-profit surf therapy initiative based out of Newcastle.

It has been running for four years.

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