Play Teaches
Serious Lessons to Children with Special Needs

Paul Bolita takes play seriously. A recreational therapist for the past 33 years at the Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Paul knows the therapeutic value of sports and games in raising the self esteem and in developing the social skills of children with behavioral and emotional difficulties.

Many of the children that Paul works with are enrolled in NPH’s Program for the Enhancement of Achievement, Behavior and Cognition (ABC Child Partial Program), which specializes in treating children with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit difficulties, fetal alcohol syndrome, autistic spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental challenges.

What kinds of activity do the children respond to?

Many of our patients have impulse control difficulties and have had many failures in social groups. We provide a nurturing environment where children do not feel threatened and can experience success individually and as a member of a team.

Our most popular activities include team sports such as basketball, and our scouting program. We’ve been granted an official Boy Scouts of America charter that both boys and girls can join when they arrive. Some of the children enjoy it so much that they transition to a Boy Scout charter in their community.

How does scouting benefit the children in the ABC Program?

Scouting in a hospital setting can help change a child’s maladaptive behavior in many ways. At UCLA, scouting presents the children with opportunities to become community aware such as participating in a clean-up activity. They learn about pool safety, how to swim, and how to rescue swimmers in distress. We also visit police and fire stations, and take nature walks.

What else do the children learn?

We teach the children to be safety-conscious. How to walk through a complex as a group. How to avoid talking to strangers. We work on developing trust, sportsmanship and sharing. In general, we try to develop skills and qualities to help each child function better when they return home.

Did you plan to become a recreational therapist?

Not really. After two years studying business in college, I realized that wasn’t for me. I wanted a career that I could enjoy and would benefit others as well. After some research, I entered the therapeutic recreation program at California State University at Northridge and earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in recreation and leisure administration.

What really makes your day?

Seeing the look on a child’s face when he or she learns to do something that they felt was impossible. I work for that look each day. I wouldn’t change a thing about my career at UCLA. It’s perfect for me.

How do you spend your time away from NPH?

My wife and I have three adult children and three grandchildren, ages 9, 3 and 6-months. We all spend a lot of time together and ride bikes and swim.