This article was submitted by our friends at Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc. Learn more about KMM here: kmm.org

 

Following the success of the All Abilities Bike Program at Future Foundations Academy, an opportunity that included experiences with working with populations of children with Autism, KMM recognized the possibility of individuals on the spectrum having participated in past bicycle education programs without beneficial supports that met their individual needs. With the goal of making future bicycle education activities more inclusive, KMM aimed to learn effective strategies for teaching children with neurodivergence. KMM connected with staff at the Autism Programs at RWJ Barnabas Health: Children’s Specialized Hospital to develop a day-long seminar for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinators and bicycle safety instructors in the State. On June 5, 2025, nineteen bike-ped safety instructors attended the Neurodiversity, Autism, and Bicycling training at RWJ Barnabas Health.

Adrienne Robertiello and Caitlyn Foelsh of Children’s Specialized Hospital led the training with an overview of Neurodiversity, with special attention to communication, sensory challenges, and behaviors that are associated with children with Autism. The day’s facilitators identified key differences within the spectrum of neurodivergence, and focused the lessons on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Communication was a thematic component to highlight, as in-person bicycle education lessons often include numerous steps. For example, an instructor may have grown accustomed to directing students similar to, “Start pedaling. Keep your eyes ahead and then look over your shoulder. Turn when you get to the cone.” For a child with Autism, these instructions can be overstimulating, and plain language is the most effective strategy. Instructors learned how an event’s environment can have a significant impact on a participant with neurodivergence. Adrienne and Caitlyn offered meaningful insights on Bicycle Skills with special attention to the perception of a child with Autism. Their knowledge and guidance are appreciated and transformative for bicycle safety education through the state, and we look forward to how this seminar will benefit our fellow TMAs, our partners at the NJ Bike & Walk Coalition and Girls in Gear.