Three years ago, Alex and his mother, Maggie, were searching for a safe, welcoming place for him to stay active year-round. Alex, 34, has autism and loves being outdoors — but after gaining weight during the pandemic, Maggie hoped to find an indoor pool for him to swim during the winter months.
Finding a space that fit Alex’s needs was critical. “We needed parking close by — Alex wouldn’t be okay with driving around in circles or waiting at a meter,” Maggie explains. “Noise levels were also important. Wide open, echoing spaces can be overwhelming for him. And we needed a private changing area.”
Maggie had been through enough experiences to know what doesn’t work. In the past, Maggie often had to remove Alex from situations where others didn’t understand his behavior. But, the moment Maggie and Alex walked into the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y, they felt at ease.
From the first visit, the staff went above and beyond to make Alex feel welcome. “The membership representative looked at Alex, smiled, and said, ‘Hi Alex.’ That simple moment meant the world,” Maggie said. “It wasn’t just about me, they saw him.”
Now, Alex walks confidently into the Y, greeting every staff member along his way to the pool. The team knows him — and, more importantly, they welcome him and understand his needs. One day, when Alex was upset because all the swim lanes were full, a lifeguard calmly invited him to sit poolside together until a lane opened. “That moment taught Alex patience and helped build trust,” Maggie said.
In the three years since joining, Alex has lost 45 pounds. But for Maggie, the transformation goes beyond physical health. “As a caregiver, I used to watch him every second,” she says. “Now, I can sit, relax, and have a cup of coffee in the café knowing he’s safe and comfortable. That’s life-changing.”
Maggie, who left her Information Technology career to earn a master’s in behavioral health, now works solely with Alex as a licensed behaviorist. “Consistency is so important, and the Y has given us that,” she says.
Alex’s talents go far beyond swimming. He taught himself tennis and is a two-time Special Olympics tennis champion — both state and national. He also plays the drums and performs in a band. His story is a testament to what’s possible when people are given space, support, and acceptance.
Maggie believes that greater awareness around autism has helped, but there’s still more work to do. Her message to the community is simple: “Say hello. Smile. Introduce yourself. A friendly face makes a huge difference for someone like Alex.” She also encourages patience and calm when someone seems overwhelmed. People with autism are deeply impacted by their environment. “If something changes unexpectedly, or they’re overwhelmed by noise or people, a calm, neutral reaction can help settle someone quickly.”
This Disability Pride Month, we celebrate Alex and Maggie — not just for what they’ve overcome, but for the joy, strength, and spirit they bring to our Y community every day. Their story shows us what is possible when inclusion isn’t just talked about — it’s lived.