Get to know Cassie H. and her children, Amelie and Percy

For Cassie H., mom to two autistic children and Social Media Manager at Autism Speaks, finding spaces where her kids were truly welcome often felt discouraging. Percy, 4, and Amelie, 7, both crave movement in different ways, yet traditional gyms, martial arts studios and structured programs repeatedly turned them away. 

Percy loves gross motor activity and needs strong physical input to regulate his body, but his disability made many facilities hesitant to accept him. Amelie, meanwhile, was navigating restrictive eating patterns and constantly seeking serotonin boosts, which led to weight gain at a young age. Cassie knew physical activity could support both of her children, if only they could find the right place. 

That place turned out to be New Strength Adaptive Fitness, close to their home in Arlington, TX. The facility provides a multitude of fitness and enrichment options including but not limited to strength training, functional fitness, gymnastics and tumbling, martial arts, and yoga to an underserved population. 

Cassie still remembers walking into the gym for the first time, bracing herself for another “no.” By that point, Percy had been turned away from nearly ten programs in just two months. Summer had disrupted his routine, and Cassie worried he’d be seen as too hyper or unmanageable. Instead, John Smith, owner and coach at New Strength Adaptive Fitness, said yes immediately and welcomed Cassie and her family with open arms.  

“Percy and Amelie are two of 60-80 kids with special needs that we work with at any given time. Fortunately, I get the honor of witnessing so many breakthrough moments and personal wins – both big and small,” John said. “We also experience the other side of things, the meltdowns and the tough moments that need to be handled with care and understanding. But with Percy specifically, he didn’t want to do much when he first came in, but through a lot of work, he’s to the point where he’s walking to his stations, smiling and getting through a 30-minute training session. I’m so proud of how far he’s come.” 

John approached Percy’s first session with patience and flexibility, letting Percy guide the experience and following what captured his interest. That approach helped Percy feel safe. This sensitive approach laid the foundation for lasting change. Since starting the program, Percy has made remarkable progress. He is now able to regulate himself far more effectively, both at the gym and at school. Where he once needed adult assistance when overwhelmed, he now independently goes to a safe space and calms himself.  

Percy is also deeply committed. He runs straight to the barbell when he arrives, eagerly trying new workouts and pushing himself in ways his parents never imagined. 

Amelie’s growth has been just as meaningful. Since joining New Strength, she has become more active outside the gym and more aware of her body. John has helped her work through fears, including a fear of heights, gradually increasing her step-ups from one inch to four inches. Each milestone leaves Amelie glowing with pride. 

"Growing up, I had the freedom to run, climb, and engage in the natural play we are developmentally designed for. Today, many children—especially those with physical or developmental differences—live in a 'bubble,' shielded from both that organic movement and the structured exercise they need,” John said.  

One of the most emotional moments for Cassie came when Percy began training alongside an older, nonverbal autistic man. Percy had never seen an adult like himself out in the world. He watched closely, then began copying his workouts. That connection sparked Percy’s love for weightlifting and gave him a powerful role model. 

John’s impact extends far beyond fitness. He has supported Percy through intense meltdowns without fear or judgment, turning those moments into calming, grounding workouts. He challenges both kids while honoring their needs and limits.  

“I started this business because our emotional and mental health are directly tethered to our physical health. In a world where kids are getting less movement than ever, we need to bridge that gap,” he said. “We need to provide the properly structured support that society is currently lacking. I’m so proud to be able to play a small role in doing that." 

For Cassie, that compassion has been life-changing. As a mother who has been judged and turned away in public spaces, finding someone who never questions her parenting has brought immense relief. One day, while reviewing Percy’s AAC device history, she saw two words typed independently: “COACH J.” She said this small moment gave her newfound hope for her children's future.  

Autism Speaks is committed to fitness and wellness among the community 

Cassie’s story shows how inclusive fitness can become a powerful tool for regulation, confidence and connection. But she also knows that not every family has access to an adaptive gym like New Strength. 

That’s where Autism Fit, an initiative from Autism Speaks, comes in. Designed for autistic people of all ages and abilities, Autism Fit offers accessible, evidence-informed fitness routines that support strength, movement and sensory regulation at home, at school or in the community. 

Programs like Autism Fit extend the same philosophy that changed Cassie’s family’s life: meet individuals where they are, honor how their bodies move and build confidence at their own pace. Because every autistic person deserves access to movement that feels safe, empowering and welcoming.