“My son, Adam Eastwood, is a very smart and very active nonverbal autistic teen. He was never able to join any conventional sports groups, as he has no concept of competition, and working within a team is difficult for him. Being able to participate in a fitness program that is tailored to his needs has not only helped maintain his health and fitness, but has given him a sense of normality and participation
Sergio’s program is vital, because its inclusive of a community that is often overlooked in the field of fitness. Along with many of these kids challenges and struggles, maintaining their health, whether it is through food or exercise, goes unconsidered. This program prioritizes the importance of an active lifestyle. Kids feel included and accomplished and the program often shows them an alternative, supporting their sensory needs in healthy and appropriate ways. I’m very grateful that my son had the opportunity to work with Sergio. I hope that people continue to take the option to work with Sergio within Special Needs Fitness.”
— Sara
“We worked with Valiant Fitness for several years with our son who is an adult with Autism. Finding meaningful services for adults with autism is very difficult, especially for those people that are more physically severe.
For us, it started out trying to find things for our adult son to do after H.S. We were disappointed that there were so little services available. Our son has always struggled with motor planning and execution of movements, bilateral use of body, etc. so exercise seemed to be something that we felt would help with that. We didn’t know if we could find someone that could actually work with our son as he was going to through some drastic changes in mood / personality due to celiac diagnosis.
Our son started to work with Sergio. Although it was a difficult start, mainly due to my son’s difficulties, we were so relieved that Sergio was always so patient and respectful with our son. Sergio always treated him with respect and always assumed intelligence and interacted with him as such.
Most importantly, Sergio was open to trying different communication approaches and tactics that worked to help our son assimilate to the new experience. This is SO important! Not everyone is willing to make changes and usually try to get the person with autism to change vs adapting to the client like Sergio does. HUGE DIFFERENCE and so important in positive outcome.
It was so inspiring to see our son gain ability to use his body correctly. We saw him grow in his ability to motor plan and execute more complex movements. His endurance and strength increased, and you could also see it in his face when he also saw his success.
Sergio provides an amazing service and dedication. He goes far and beyond offering just exercise. He meets clients where they are physically and emotionally, helps them grow by breaking down movements and keeps moving that ladder higher and higher. He doesn’t place pre-conceived limits which is great!
We are forever thankful for having had him for so many years and were so saddened to see him go but we know so many other families will also get to benefit from his services!”
-Ivonne