But for the past 11 years, East Coast Karate & Aerobic Fitness Center, located on Union Street, has been offering classes for kids with autism, which parents say has helped their children with ...

The classes will run until Sept. 1. Jerry Cazales, whose father founded the martial arts academy, said the free classes give kids something to do during the summer.

Shriners kids get lots of physical therapy, of course. But incorporating karate is something new, and so far, it seems to be a success, according to physical therapist Chelsie Reed.