Manhattan Kansas camp uses magic to help kids with special needs
A Manhattan summer camp is partnering with Kansas State University to study a new method of engaging kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other special needs.
The Flint Hills Summer Fun Camp is using a method called Hocus Focus.
Hocus Focus creator and magician Kevin Spencer said the method uses magic tricks to help kids with special needs develop the skills they find challenging.
Spencer said he developed a passion for children with disabilities, and the idea for Hocus Focus, after he taught magic tricks to a little boy with autism.
Spencer said, “He kind of leaned way in and pulled back. And I started into the next one and he goes, ‘teach me the rope trick.’ So I gave him a piece of rope and showed him what to do with his hands, and he did the trick. And he was so excited that he did the trick, he said, ‘teach me another one.’”
When he was done, he said, “His father stood up and gave me just a really big hug. And he said, ‘That’s the first time in nine years I’ve ever heard my son speak.’”
It was at that moment, Spencer said, that he realized what he used to entertain people could help people in more ways. And Hocus Focus was born…