A Trike for Sophia

Sophia is a happy, healthy 9 year old girl. At age 2 1/2 she was diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum - which for her means that she is non-verbal, hyper-sensitive to touch, and many other common sounds and sights. She has low muscle tone as well as poor gross and fine motor skills. Many things that come naturally to kids her own age are a challenge for Sophia, but she is determined and inquisitive, and with the support of someone gentle and patient, she will give anything a go.

Sophia has recently become interested in bikes. However she is now too big for a 20” bike with training wheels, and currently not coordinated enough to balance, pedal and steer a 2-wheeler all at the same time.

I contacted Trikes NZ in Levin who assessed Sophia’s needs and let her test drive a trike. The pride and independence on her face as she pedalled and steered the trike by herself was clear to all of us (see photo!) and I knew I must do everything I can to see that look on her face again.

The Trike was quoted at $2800, which is more than we as a one-income family can afford. There are grants available for such trikes, but many are for physically disabled children only, not invisible disabilities like Autism. I personally think all children deserve a bike - regardless of their ability!

Our dream is for Sophia to be able to use the many cycle tracks around our hometown on the Kapiti Coast, which would allow us as a family to go on outings that would otherwise be impossible. A trike for Sophia would be so much more than a mode of transport - it would encourage her to be active, grow in confidence, feel independent and explore the outside world.

Please help us make this dream a reality for our sweet Sophia!

The Corlett family