This class gives autism a karate chop
Martial arts program helps those with many disabilities

Dawn Marti of Waterbury and Nate Pererkin of Shelton go through their routine during a martial arts class at USA Martial Arts in the Crosspointe Plaza in Naugatuck. The group of students is comprised of children and adults with autism.
The floor-to-ceiling mirrors at USA Martial Arts reflect many realities of living with autism, intellectual and developmental challenges.

Take Brian Nelson, 31, of North Haven: He speaks with the aid of a specially-programmed computerized keyboard, and he delivers karate chops from his wheelchair. And when he “flips” martial arts instructor Jessica Gallagher after she positions his arm just so, he sends her sailing onto a nearby mat.

Beaming, Nelson raises a fisted hand in victory as he wheels back to a spot at the periphery of the class, while another student with challenges less physically obvious but still present trades places with him. With care and strategic body control, Gallagher allows a succession of these special students to tip her head over heels, leaving her repeatedly sprawled on a mat and each of her opponents overflowing with pride amid rounds of applause.