Avenues for Autism shares the incredible journey of those we serve and whose lives have been changed thanks to our generous donors. We hope you enjoy our September 2026 issue of Exceeding the Limits!
Cayden’s autism journey has taught our family that progress rarely follows a straight line. It often begins with uncertainty, continues through barriers and setbacks, and grows through persistence, advocacy, and the willingness to keep searching for what helps a child thrive.
Our concerns began when Cayden was very young. He wasn’t speaking, had limited intentional eye contact, and struggled to communicate. After multiple evaluations and therapies, he was diagnosed with autism. From that point forward, our family entered a new world of learning—about Cayden, about autism, and about how to advocate for the support he needed.
Finding that support was not always easy. At one point, we faced an 18-month wait for ABA therapy through insurance, followed by additional delays during the pandemic. Ultimately, we made the difficult decision to pay approximately $15,000 out of pocket for full-time ABA. It was a significant sacrifice, but we saw the difference it made. During that time, Cayden went from being non-speaking to communicating in sentences. He began to blossom.
As Cayden grew, his needs changed, and our understanding of progress changed with him. We learned that growth was not limited to speech or academics. It also meant building confidence, developing independence, finding connection, and discovering activities where Cayden could feel capable and included.
Today, Brain Bright Therapy and Special Ninjas are two important parts of that continued growth.
Brain Bright provides therapeutic support that helps Cayden develop skills he can use in everyday life. Special Ninjas offers something different but equally valuable: a place to challenge himself physically, build discipline and confidence, and experience a genuine sense of belonging.
At Special Ninjas, Cayden has continued working toward his goals, earning his green belt and competing alongside athletes at much higher belt levels. Most recently, he placed third overall while competing against black belts and earned first place in the 16-and-under autism division.
We are proud of those accomplishments, but the most meaningful change is what happens beyond the awards. Cayden walks into the space knowing he belongs there. He keeps going when something is difficult. He is learning to trust himself and recognize what he can accomplish.
The Suzanne Tyner Autism Assistance Fund helped our family provide Cayden with both Brain Bright Therapy and Special Ninjas. That support has been especially meaningful because the programs meet different needs and give him different ways to grow.
For families raising a child with autism, the costs of therapies, programs, and activities can add up quickly, especially when many beneficial opportunities are not fully covered by insurance. The fund allowed us to continue giving Cayden access to both programs without having to choose between two supports that were helping him thrive.
Over the years, we have learned that no single therapy, school, program, or intervention defines Cayden’s journey. Each has been one piece of a larger picture, meeting him where he was and helping him take the next step.
The little boy we once desperately wanted to hear speak is now an 11-year-old who continues to surprise us with his determination, courage, and potential.
Our goal has never been to change who Cayden is. Autism is part of who he is. Our responsibility is to make sure he has the support, opportunities, accommodations, and people around him that allow him to become the fullest version of himself.
We are incredibly grateful to Avenues for Autism and the Suzanne Tyner Autism Assistance Fund for being part of Cayden’s journey. Their assistance did more than help pay for two programs. It gave Cayden opportunities to build skills, challenge himself, gain confidence, and discover new possibilities.
We know there will be challenges ahead, but we also know Cayden will continue to grow in ways we cannot yet predict. We cannot wait to see where his journey takes him next.
~ Story provided by Clarissa, Cayden’s mom
