Local family has hundreds riding annually for autism

By Jaime Dougher
Staff Writer

Local family has hundreds
riding annually for autism
By Jaime Dougher
Staff Writer


Andy AbereAndy Abere

MONROE — It was partly because their own son had trouble learning to ride a bike that Andy and Lisa Abere decided to hold a bicycle riding even to benefit autism.

The township family has now organized the third annual Ride for Autism, set for June 14 at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft section of Middletown, Monmouth County. Pre-registration for the event ends June 11.

The event has raised more than $40,000 to date for the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community in the last two years. COSAC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1965 and is committed to advocating services and education for autistic residents.

More than 400 people have participated each year, and Andy Abere said he hopes the event will draw at least 500 next weekend.

During a visit to a Matawan bicycle store, the Bicycle Hub, with the hope of purchasing an adult-size bicycle for his autistic son, Spencer, Abere — himself an avid cyclist — engaged in a discussion with the owner as his eyes traveled to the row of brochures advertising benefit bike rides. The rides supported multiple sclerosis, diabetes and a myriad of other conditions, but not autism.

His drive to help other parents of children with autism spurred the family to organize the Ride for Autism.

"We’ve been pedaling ever since," Abere said.

According to the event’s Web site, www.ride4autism.org, autism is a developmental disability with no cure, and is characterized by a lack of social and communication skills. New Jersey has one of the highest autism rates in the country.

Abere described some of the personal challenges he faces as the parent of an autistic child.

"Spencer is non-verbal," he said. "Very often, it’s difficult for him to communicate with us."

Abere said they sometimes think Spencer needs medical attention, so they take him to a doctor even though they cannot be sure Spencer is indeed feeling ill.

"It’s challenging, but at the same time I want to correct the misperception that these kids are cold and distant," he said. "They can be very affectionate and lovable."

Spencer, who was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old, sat on his first bicycle seat when he was about 4, and his parents attached Velcro strips to the bottom of his shoes and the bicycle’s pedals. Now, at 11 years old, Spencer’s speedy bicycle riding makes his father give chase.

"We got him a bike with training wheels and I am happy to report that this spring he got his training wheels off and was able to ride without them," he said. "I didn’t think my kid was going to learn how to ride a bike, and now I can hardly keep up with him. I think he likes the independence and it’s something he can do."

Abere said the Ride for Autism is not competitive, and they offer rides ranging from 7 to 100 miles to accommodate people at different experience levels.

The registration fee for adults is $40, or $10 for riders under 18, and includes breakfast, lunch and rest-stop refreshments. The start time for each ride is between 7 a.m. and noon, depending on ride length. Riders can register at www.ride4autism.org or by calling (732) 521-2722.

Abere said he and his wife receive a lot of help from the parents of children with autism who want to be involved with the event.

"It’s really a team effort," he said. "My wife and I certainly couldn’t do it on our own.

"It’s like planning a wedding and a bar mitzvah at the same time."

The event has been more successful than he and Lisa could have dreamed, he said.

"We set out to accomplish three things — to raise money, raise awareness and have fun," he said. "The first two years we hit all those goals."

Abere said one important goal is that people come out and learn at least one or two pieces of information about autism to understand the disability and dispel pervading myths when legislative or policy changes arise within the government concerning autism.

Abere said the events are rider-friendly.

"If you can’t finish, we’ll come out and get you."

Although some of the rides can be challenging, he said the experience is well worth the effort.

"Your legs might be tired, but your heart will be warm," he said. "You’ll have tired legs, a full belly and a smile on your face."