My brother has autism and wants to ride a bike?

Question

My little brother, who is 10 years old, is autistic and is having trouble learning how to ride a bike. I keep suggesting to my mom that we wait until he's older to teach him, when he understands more. My brother wants to learn, but he won't keep his feet placed on the pedals. And he keeps his head down as he's trying to ride. We've tried the scooter method, which didn't go to well. We've also tried letting go of him, but all he does is stop or fall. Is their any place we can take him, so someone else can train him?

? · Accepted Answer

There is a program for children with special needs called "lose the training wheels" which use special bikes and people who are trained for working with kids with special needs. They boast an 80% success and I've heard only positive things about them helping kids with special needs - especially those who have balance issues such as those on the spectrum. 

If none of the locations are near you, you may want to contact them anyway to see if there's any plans of adding more locations or if they know of any other similar programs.

Anonymous · Answer

I feel for you on this one and think what you've done so far is fantastic. I myself am a cycle mechanic and have been riding for a long time im not that clued up on autism. Only thing i can think of is if you own a bike if can ride in front of him and try to get him following you. As a general thing in a lot of sports like cycling and snowboarding where you look you usually end up turning kinda like a subconscious thing. So if he can follow you round some corners keep communicating to him so he knows to follow you it mite get him thinking that he has to steer to stay with you on the ride Hope this can help.

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My brother has autism and wants to ride a bike?

2 Answers