Max’s Freedom Wheels
Posted on 1st Mar 2019
“Max is 9 years old, he’s an easy going, happy boy who loves playing outside,” said Max’s dad Peter.
Max was diagnosed at age 2 with Autism and Global Development Delay. “He experiences weakness in his muscles and has some trouble walking,” said Peter.
Max had tried riding a small bike with training wheels but without support his muscles were easily fatigued and he couldn’t ride for very long. “The standard bike wasn’t working for Max so we started looking for a better alternative,” said Peter. “We had asked a few other parents and they suggested Freedom Wheels,” he said.
Peter and Max came to TAD’s Assistive Technology Centre to try the Freedom Wheels bike. “The TAD therapist was really friendly and informative,” said Peter.
Max was a little nervous at first because he had struggled on his little bike. The Freedom Wheels bike was bigger, perfect for Max’s age and size and it provided good support. “Once he knew how stable the bike was he had a great time riding,” said Peter.
Max rides his new Freedom Wheels bike with his dad Peter and his younger sister. “We feel fantastic! We go riding together nearly every weekend. It helps Max in all sorts of ways, when he sees other kids riding their bikes he feels confident and good about himself because he can ride just like them,” said Peter.
“We get lots of looks and people say, ‘cool bike’ Max thinks that is great!”
“Because of his disability Max only says a few words but I’ll ask him what he wants to do and he’ll say ‘bike’ and smile a big smile and get excited, said Peter.
When asked if he would recommend Freedom Wheels Peter said, “oh yeah 100 percent just do it!
The Blacktown Worker’s Soccer Football Club held a family fun day last July and fundraised to help kids like Max get their first bike.
“We want to thank all the clubs involved, they have done a great job! We are so grateful for Max’s bike, it wouldn’t be possible without Blacktown Workers Soccer Football Club and Freedom Wheels.” – Peter.
