There is a strange, beautiful kind of nostalgia in returning to a place that once held your hopes for your child’s future. This week, our family took a step back in time and a giant leap forward.
My son, Sheamus, is at a massive crossroads. He’s 16, standing on the edge of adulthood with his 17th birthday quickly approaching on February 8th. As he prepares for that final stretch of his teenage years, I realized that the support he had as a toddler was exactly what he needed again to navigate his future.
The Way We Were
If I close my eyes, I can still see 3-year-old Sheamus walking through the doors of the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Center. Back then, he was just a little guy finding his way.
It’s a common misconception because of the name, but Sheamus doesn't have CP; UCP simply provides some of the most specialized, compassionate care in the region. For a while, that center was our second home. He spent hours there in Speech and Occupational Therapy (OT), building the foundation for the young man he is today. Eventually, he "graduated" or moved on, and those therapy sessions became a chapter in his baby book.
Ten Years in a Heartbeat
Fast forward a decade. The toddler is now a 16-year-old young man. The world is bigger, the challenges are more complex, and the stakes feel higher as we look toward his transition into adulthood.
I decided it was time to go back. Walking back into the UCP center after ten years felt like a time warp. The walls might have different paint and the equipment might be newer, but the heart of the place remains the same.
The most incredible moment? Walking in and seeing Mrs. C, the director. Not only is she still there leading the way, but she remembered us. There is a special kind of peace that comes with knowing your child is in the hands of someone who has seen their journey from the very beginning.
New Faces, Same Mission
While the familiar face of Mrs. C gave us a sense of continuity, Sheamus is starting this new chapter with a fresh team. His therapists are different people than the ones who worked with his 3-year-old self, but the goals are remarkably similar:
• Speech Therapy: Focusing on the communication skills he needs for the "real world," social confidence, and expressing himself as a young man.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): Working on the life skills and coordination that will help him gain independence as he nears 18.
Looking Ahead to 17
There is something poetic about starting this journey now. With his birthday on February 8th, Sheamus is reclaiming these tools just in time. This isn't about "fixing" anything it’s about giving him every advantage possible as he prepares for the next phase of his life.
Going back to where it all began feels like the circle is closing, but in the best way possible. We are older, Sheamus is much taller, and the goals have changed but the commitment to his success is exactly the same as it was ten years ago.
Welcome back, Sheamus. We can’t wait to see what you achieve this time around.
Moving into a new year is often marketed as a time of "fresh starts" and "exciting changes," but for many autistic individuals, the transition can be a source of significant anxiety. The shift from the structured (or chaotic) holiday season back into "normal" life, combined with the abstract concept of a new calendar year, can feel overwhelming.
Here is a guide on how to provide meaningful, sensory-aware support during this transition.
Navigating the New Year: A Guide to Supporting Autistic Individuals
For many neurodivergent people, predictability is a form of safety. The New Year represents a massive "unknown." By focusing on clear communication, sensory management, and realistic expectations, we can turn a stressful period into a manageable one.
1. Externalize the Concept of Time
The "New Year" is an abstract concept. For those who process information literally or visually, it helps to make the passage of time tangible.
• Visual Countdowns: Use a physical wall calendar or a digital countdown app to show how many days are left in the holiday break.
• The "Year in Review" Bridge: Instead of focusing only on the future, look at photos or journals from the past year. This creates a sense of continuity showing that while the number changes, their world remains largely the same.
2. Manage the "Post-Holiday Slump"
The period immediately following January 1st often involves a sudden loss of structure.
• The Slow Takedown: Don't remove all holiday decorations in one day. The sudden change in the visual environment can be jarring. Try removing one or two items a day to let the eyes and brain adjust to the "normal" room layout.
• Re-establish Routine Early: Start shifting sleep schedules or meal times back to the "school/work" rhythm a few days before the official transition.
3. Reframe "New Year’s Resolutions"
From Pedals to Purpose: Supporting Sheamus at 16
Every parent wants their child to experience the freedom of movement. For my son Sheamus, who is now 16 going on 17, that journey started years ago with a simple exercise bike. For children and teens on the spectrum, coordination isn’t just a physical skill it is a gateway to independence.
As we navigate the threshold of adulthood, the lessons we learned on that stationary bike have evolved into the building blocks of his teenage years.
The Evolution of Coordination
When Sheamus was younger, we focused on the basics: the rhythm of a pedal stroke and the balance of the core. At nearly 17, coordination has taken on a new meaning. It’s now about motor planning for daily life navigating a crowded sidewalk, managing his own workspace, and maintaining the physical stamina required for vocational tasks.
Why the "Stationary Start" Still Matters
Even as a teenager, the exercise bike (and now, perhaps, a gym setting) remains a vital tool. Here is why that foundation was so transformative:
• Muscle Memory and Regulation: For a 16-year-old, the repetitive motion of cycling provides more than just leg strength; it offers sensory regulation. On days when the world feels overwhelming, the "closed-loop" movement of the bike helps Sheamus find his center.
• Safety in Mastery:
The "controlled environment" we sought years ago has allowed Sheamus to master his body's limits. Because he learned to balance and pedal without the risk of traffic or uneven pavement, he developed a deep-seated physical confidence that he carries into other areas of life.
• Building a Fitness Habit:
As teens on the spectrum transition out of school-based PE, finding a sustainable way to stay active is crucial. The exercise bike wasn't just a "training wheel" for a real bike; it was the start of a lifelong habit of physical health.
There is a strange, beautiful kind of nostalgia in returning to a place that once held your hopes for your child’s future. This week, our family took a step back in time and a giant leap forward.
My son, Sheamus, is at a massive crossroads. He’s 16, standing on the edge of adulthood with his 17th birthday quickly approaching on February 8th. As he prepares for that final stretch of his teenage years, I realized that the support he had as a toddler was exactly what he needed again to navigate his future.
The Way We Were
If I close my eyes, I can still see 3-year-old Sheamus walking through the doors of the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Center. Back then, he was just a little guy finding his way.
It’s a common misconception because of the name, but Sheamus doesn't have CP; UCP simply provides some of the most specialized, compassionate care in the region. For a while, that center was our second home. He spent hours there in Speech and Occupational Therapy (OT), building the foundation for the young man he is today. Eventually, he "graduated" or moved on, and those therapy sessions became a chapter in his baby book.
Ten Years in a Heartbeat
Fast forward a decade. The toddler is now a 16-year-old young man. The world is bigger, the challenges are more complex, and the stakes feel higher as we look toward his transition into adulthood.
I decided it was time to go back. Walking back into the UCP center after ten years felt like a time warp. The walls might have different paint and the equipment might be newer, but the heart of the place remains the same.
The most incredible moment? Walking in and seeing Mrs. C, the director. Not only is she still there leading the way, but she remembered us. There is a special kind of peace that comes with knowing your child is in the hands of someone who has seen their journey from the very beginning.
New Faces, Same Mission
While the familiar face of Mrs. C gave us a sense of continuity, Sheamus is starting this new chapter with a fresh team. His therapists are different people than the ones who worked with his 3-year-old self, but the goals are remarkably similar:
• Speech Therapy: Focusing on the communication skills he needs for the "real world," social confidence, and expressing himself as a young man.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): Working on the life skills and coordination that will help him gain independence as he nears 18.
Looking Ahead to 17
There is something poetic about starting this journey now. With his birthday on February 8th, Sheamus is reclaiming these tools just in time. This isn't about "fixing" anything it’s about giving him every advantage possible as he prepares for the next phase of his life.
Going back to where it all began feels like the circle is closing, but in the best way possible. We are older, Sheamus is much taller, and the goals have changed but the commitment to his success is exactly the same as it was ten years ago.
Welcome back, Sheamus. We can’t wait to see what you achieve this time around.
Moving into a new year is often marketed as a time of "fresh starts" and "exciting changes," but for many autistic individuals, the transition can be a source of significant anxiety. The shift from the structured (or chaotic) holiday season back into "normal" life, combined with the abstract concept of a new calendar year, can feel overwhelming.
Here is a guide on how to provide meaningful, sensory-aware support during this transition.
Navigating the New Year: A Guide to Supporting Autistic Individuals
For many neurodivergent people, predictability is a form of safety. The New Year represents a massive "unknown." By focusing on clear communication, sensory management, and realistic expectations, we can turn a stressful period into a manageable one.
1. Externalize the Concept of Time
The "New Year" is an abstract concept. For those who process information literally or visually, it helps to make the passage of time tangible.
• Visual Countdowns: Use a physical wall calendar or a digital countdown app to show how many days are left in the holiday break.
• The "Year in Review" Bridge: Instead of focusing only on the future, look at photos or journals from the past year. This creates a sense of continuity showing that while the number changes, their world remains largely the same.
2. Manage the "Post-Holiday Slump"
The period immediately following January 1st often involves a sudden loss of structure.
• The Slow Takedown: Don't remove all holiday decorations in one day. The sudden change in the visual environment can be jarring. Try removing one or two items a day to let the eyes and brain adjust to the "normal" room layout.
• Re-establish Routine Early: Start shifting sleep schedules or meal times back to the "school/work" rhythm a few days before the official transition.
3. Reframe "New Year’s Resolutions"
From Pedals to Purpose: Supporting Sheamus at 16
Every parent wants their child to experience the freedom of movement. For my son Sheamus, who is now 16 going on 17, that journey started years ago with a simple exercise bike. For children and teens on the spectrum, coordination isn’t just a physical skill it is a gateway to independence.
As we navigate the threshold of adulthood, the lessons we learned on that stationary bike have evolved into the building blocks of his teenage years.
The Evolution of Coordination
When Sheamus was younger, we focused on the basics: the rhythm of a pedal stroke and the balance of the core. At nearly 17, coordination has taken on a new meaning. It’s now about motor planning for daily life navigating a crowded sidewalk, managing his own workspace, and maintaining the physical stamina required for vocational tasks.
Why the "Stationary Start" Still Matters
Even as a teenager, the exercise bike (and now, perhaps, a gym setting) remains a vital tool. Here is why that foundation was so transformative:
• Muscle Memory and Regulation: For a 16-year-old, the repetitive motion of cycling provides more than just leg strength; it offers sensory regulation. On days when the world feels overwhelming, the "closed-loop" movement of the bike helps Sheamus find his center.
• Safety in Mastery:
The "controlled environment" we sought years ago has allowed Sheamus to master his body's limits. Because he learned to balance and pedal without the risk of traffic or uneven pavement, he developed a deep-seated physical confidence that he carries into other areas of life.
• Building a Fitness Habit:
As teens on the spectrum transition out of school-based PE, finding a sustainable way to stay active is crucial. The exercise bike wasn't just a "training wheel" for a real bike; it was the start of a lifelong habit of physical health.
The pressure to "become a new person" can be deeply distressing for someone who finds comfort in their identity and routine.
• Focus on Additions, Not Subtractions: Instead of "stopping" a behavior, try "adding" a comfort. For example, "In January, we will try one new sensory toy" or "We will visit the library on Tuesdays."
• Interest-Led Goals: If the individual has a "special interest" (SpIn), frame New Year goals around it. This turns a generic social expectation into a source of joy.
4. Prepare for Sensory Shifts
January often brings changes in the environment colder weather, different clothing textures (heavy coats, wool), or different scents in the home.
• Sensory Audit: Check if new winter gear is causing "sensory ick." Do the seams in the new gloves hurt? Is the air in the house too dry from the heater? Addressing these small physical stressors can lower the overall anxiety "bucket."
A Note on "New Year, New Me":
For an autistic individual, the goal shouldn't be change for the sake of change. The goal is autonomy and comfort. If the person is happy with their current routine, there is no requirement to change it just because the calendar says January.
Moving Forward
The most important thing you can offer is patience. Meltdowns or shutdowns are more common during transitions. By being a "calm harbor" and reducing external demands during the first two weeks of January, you allow the individual the space they need to recalibrate.
Confidence and Independence
One of the biggest shifts in Sheamus’s journey toward 17 has been his sense of agency. When he first mastered the bike, it was a "sense of accomplishment." Now, that accomplishment has morphed into self-advocacy.
He knows what his body can do. Whether he’s riding a traditional bike through the neighborhood or tackling a new physical task, he isn't afraid of the "learning curve." He knows that with repetition and the right tools, he can master complex motor tasks. This confidence is the engine driving him toward adulthood.
The Big Picture: Beyond the Bike
The transition from 16 to 17 is a pivotal time. We are looking at vocational skills, greater community involvement, and the eventual goal of independent living.
The coordination he built one pedal at a time is the same coordination he uses to navigate a kitchen, use tools, or manage his own self-care. It turns out that teaching him to ride wasn't just about the bicycle; it was about teaching him that obstacles are just skills he hasn't mastered yet.
Conclusion: One Pedal at a Time
To the parents of younger children: keep going. The time you spend now on "intermediary steps" like exercise bikes or coordination games pays dividends in the teenage years.
Sheamus is nearly a man now, and while the challenges have changed, our approach remains the same: Patience, the right tools, and an unwavering belief in his potential. We are so proud of the young man he is becoming, and we can’t wait to see where his own two wheels take him next.
The pressure to "become a new person" can be deeply distressing for someone who finds comfort in their identity and routine.
• Focus on Additions, Not Subtractions: Instead of "stopping" a behavior, try "adding" a comfort. For example, "In January, we will try one new sensory toy" or "We will visit the library on Tuesdays."
• Interest-Led Goals: If the individual has a "special interest" (SpIn), frame New Year goals around it. This turns a generic social expectation into a source of joy.
4. Prepare for Sensory Shifts
January often brings changes in the environment colder weather, different clothing textures (heavy coats, wool), or different scents in the home.
• Sensory Audit: Check if new winter gear is causing "sensory ick." Do the seams in the new gloves hurt? Is the air in the house too dry from the heater? Addressing these small physical stressors can lower the overall anxiety "bucket."
A Note on "New Year, New Me":
For an autistic individual, the goal shouldn't be change for the sake of change. The goal is autonomy and comfort. If the person is happy with their current routine, there is no requirement to change it just because the calendar says January.
Moving Forward
The most important thing you can offer is patience. Meltdowns or shutdowns are more common during transitions. By being a "calm harbor" and reducing external demands during the first two weeks of January, you allow the individual the space they need to recalibrate.
Confidence and Independence
One of the biggest shifts in Sheamus’s journey toward 17 has been his sense of agency. When he first mastered the bike, it was a "sense of accomplishment." Now, that accomplishment has morphed into self-advocacy.
He knows what his body can do. Whether he’s riding a traditional bike through the neighborhood or tackling a new physical task, he isn't afraid of the "learning curve." He knows that with repetition and the right tools, he can master complex motor tasks. This confidence is the engine driving him toward adulthood.
The Big Picture: Beyond the Bike
The transition from 16 to 17 is a pivotal time. We are looking at vocational skills, greater community involvement, and the eventual goal of independent living.
The coordination he built one pedal at a time is the same coordination he uses to navigate a kitchen, use tools, or manage his own self-care. It turns out that teaching him to ride wasn't just about the bicycle; it was about teaching him that obstacles are just skills he hasn't mastered yet.
Conclusion: One Pedal at a Time
To the parents of younger children: keep going. The time you spend now on "intermediary steps" like exercise bikes or coordination games pays dividends in the teenage years.
Sheamus is nearly a man now, and while the challenges have changed, our approach remains the same: Patience, the right tools, and an unwavering belief in his potential. We are so proud of the young man he is becoming, and we can’t wait to see where his own two wheels take him next.
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