ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Meet Aria Tyson

BY KENDRA ROGERS; EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Aria had a challenging start to life, born without a voice due to umbilical cord complications. After her four-day stay in the Neonatal intensive care unit, Aria was released after regaining her strength. Little did her mom know, Aria’s strength would only increase! Monique, Aria’s Mom shares that though Aria was diagnosed with autism at age three and was nonverbal until around age five, her physical abilities soared. Aria was climbing, flipping, and jumping like an Olympian from only 18 months old! Aria’s voice came through lots of hard work as she harnessed her physical strength in a number of sports. Aria is a warrior and has always been physically strong. Monique and Aria share “Never put yourself in a box. Everyone has things that make them unique and quirky. That is what makes the world so colorful!”

Aria wants her community to know that “being kind to others makes them feel happy. People are different with different hearts, and everyone needs patience.” She also thanks her parents for being her everything.

Aria has done bowling, dance, gymnastics, swimming, and many other sports. Her favorite and current sport is gymnastics. Aria says she started gymnastics and dance when her mom realized how strong she was and how much energy she had. Monique found a program with an adaptive instructor who helps Aria and others work not only on gymnastics skills but also on social skills in a safe, welcoming environment. Aria wants to compete someday in the Olympics and loves doing handstands on the balance beam! Aria and her mom dream of the Special Olympics but are aiming high to be included in the World Olympics, too. Finding the right fit for Aria wasn’t simple, Monique shares. They tried many sports before finding passion in the gym. Aria’s physical abilities enticed other gyms to attempt to push her beyond where she and Monique were comfortable, too. They found Aria’s place at Sierra Adaptive Gymnastics (https/www.sierraadaptivegymnastics. com/) where Aria is free and safe physically and emotionally to succeed at her pace. Monique also notes that Sierra Adaptive Gymnastics is a safe space for parents of children with special needs to meet and share their journeys. Thanks to Caliber Autism & Pediatric Therapy and BCBA, Ciarra Murphy with Sierra Adaptive Gymnastics, Aria gets to fly safely while learning turn-taking and social skills and her mom gets to be part of a village of parents who know the unique struggle of special needs parenting. Monique stresses the importance of a village that understands and a space where Aria can truly be herself while learning important skills.

“Watching Aria focus and retain information and follow routine is wonderful,” says Monique.

Aria has been with Sierra Adaptive Gymnastics since January 2023 as part of the group lessons as well as private lessons with Ciarra since February 2023. Monique and Aria are both blossoming in this inclusive setting where Aria gets to BE whoever she is.

When Aria isn’t flipping around the gym, she enjoys listening to Korean pop music or watching The Super Mario Brothers Movie while eating macaroni and cheese. She also loves art because rainbows and the color indigo is her favorite! New York City is her favorite vacation. Aria is fascinated by the lights, Times Square, and all the activity the city has to offer. Not only does Aria love gymnastics, but she dreams of being an astronaut because she wants to jump and fly without the restraint of gravity.

Monique and Aria want others to understand that learning where passion is may take time and searching but it is worth it to be involved in a space where you thrive, learn, and soar safely with others who GET IT!