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 2025 issue of Exceeding the Limits!
Gage is our 4-year-old son, a loving, silly, and energetic little guy who brings joy to everyone around him. As the youngest of three boys, Gage’s personality shines brightly in our family. With experience raising his two older brothers, we noticed early on that some developmental milestones were not being met with Gage.
At two years old, Gage was diagnosed with Autism. This was a new journey for our family, and we realized we needed to learn as much as possible to support him. We immersed ourselves in understanding Autism, determined to provide Gage with the best possible support so he could thrive and live his best life.
Gage loves activities that allow him to move his body. His favorite hobbies include jumping, spinning, and spending time outdoors. Above all, swimming is his greatest passion. Even at the age of one, Gage would eagerly leap into any body of water, his face lighting up with a huge smile. He is naturally drawn to water and approaches it without fear, which has always been a source of both joy and concern for us as his parents.
While Gage’s love for swimming is heartwarming, his limited communication skills made us worry about his safety around water. We recognized that swimming lessons were essential for him, both to protect himself in case of an emergency and to build confidence in the water.
Thanks to the Suzanne Tyner Fund, Gage was able to attend weekly swimming lessons throughout the summer. He gained the skills and confidence to swim independently, without needing to be held or supported. This achievement brought us tremendous peace of mind and allowed Gage to join his big brothers in the pool, participating safely in an activity they all love.
Watching our three boys swim together, enjoying the water safely, was an unforgettable experience. We are deeply grateful to Avenues of Autism for helping make this possible for our family. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who contributed to Gage’s journey and growth.
Story by Allison (Gage’s mom)
