Ryan Lockard
Owner and Head Trainer

How long have you been working in the autism community?
I began working in the autism community my senior year in college back in 2007, but specialized in serving their exercise and fitness needs by creating Specialty Athletic Training in June 2012.

What is one myth about autism that you'd like to squelch?
Limits are automatically placed on a child once they are diagnosed with autism and too many professionals and parents have preset expectations of what that child will or will not be able to do in the future, especially with fitness. A majority, if not all, of our clients have had some sort of negative experience with exercise and fitness in the past because of the expectations and lack of understanding. I love providing a fun and positive environment for all of our clients to learn how to enjoy being healthy and continuously watching their self esteem and self confidence soar, which carries over to all aspects of their lives.

What makes your business unique?
Specialty Athletic Training provides professional personal training for individuals with special needs. We are the only personal training business in the nation that specifically serves this population. We are located at Lewis & Clark College, which is also annually ranked in the top five most beautiful campuses in the nation.  We have college students that volunteer as peer mentors to workout with our clients, providing a more group oriented workout. Everyone in the weight room and on campus are aware about Specialty Athletic Training and have been very supportive. When walking thru the hallways, it is not uncommon for one of our clients to spark up a conversation with one of the athletes, coaches, or faculty members. It is a very welcoming community.

What are some of your personal interests/hobbies?
I love living a healthy lifestyle and being active. Lifting weights, playing sports, and running are all things that enjoy doing on a daily basis. I also thoroughly enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures.

Belinda Hanson
Founder of Portland Oregon Autism Resource Guide and Admin of Portland Autism Moms community group

Name and age of child on the spectrum
Christian, 9 years old

What is one myth about autism you'd like to squelch?
The idea that autistics do not have empathy. The reality is that they feel energy and do not rely on words, but the emotion is overwhelming.

Your favorite traits of your child on the spectrum
His love of all things outdoors.

What would you like the world to know about autism acceptance?
To see a person as a whole person rather then seeing the non- autistic version and all negative traits associated with the autistic part of a person.

What does neurodiversity mean to you?
Laws and the community acknowledging and supporting people with neurological differences.

Wednesday, June 4

Art Therapy & Anxiety
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn, 8439 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland
(503) 256-5000

Several topics covered including: 

• Recognizing the challenges, issues, symptoms and needs that face those living with anxiety, OCD, panic attacks and more
• Choose the most effective combination of art and traditional talk therapy in both group and individual settings
• Engage in hands-on art interventions

More information

Wednesday, June 4

Forum on the Governance of Early Intervention
and Early Childhood Education Programs in Oregon
5-6:30 p.m.
Clackamas Education Service District, Mt. Hope Room
13455 SE 97th Avenue, Clackamas
(503) 675-4095

Open to parents, administrators, community partners and interested partcipants. Learn about:

• The past and current collaborations between the SICC and the Early Learning Council
• What the legislature has asked the SICC to consult stakeholders about 
• Provide opinions, concerns, ideas and recommendations

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Wednesday, June 4

Sensory Jump Night at Pump It Up
6-8 p.m.
9665 SW Allen Blvd #110, Beaverton
(503) 644-3332

Low lights, low music for sensory challenged jumpers. 

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Thursday, June 5

Let's Connect! A Training Series for Parents and Professionals
Special Needs Trusts
6-8 p.m.
Providence Willamette Falls Community Center
519 15th Street, Conference Room D
Oregon City
(503) 467-0343

Free event presented by Paula Boga of the ARC of Oregon GABS Program. 

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Friday, June 20

SW Washington's Men's ASD Support Group
7-9 p.m.
Lifepoint Church
305 NE 192nd Avenue, Room 204, Vancouver
(360) 852-8369

Autism Empowerment's Men's Support Group meets the 3rd Friday of each month.

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Monday, June 23-25

Strategy Games Class
10 a.m.-Noon 
The Children's Program
7707 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland
(503) 452-8002

Strategy games provide a unique opportunity to develop important social skills. Students practice social flexibility, reciprocity, frustration tolerance (as they win and lose), peer problem solving, perspective taking, patience, transitioning and other elements of social interaction. Families who are not current patients at Children’s Program must schedule a required initial parent/student meeting (at no charge) with a game mentor before they may register.

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Tuesday, June 24

Explore Careers in Natural Resources
Presented by Incight
1-4 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel
319 SW Pine Street, Portland
(971) 244-0305

The US Forest Service, in partnership with Incight and OVRS, is hosting an informational and networking event to introduce job seekers, job developers and job coaches to natural resource career opportunities within Federal Agencies. 

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Thursday, June 26

"Build a Super Summer" presented by Swindell's
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Providence Willamette Falls, Community Center
519 15th Street, Oregon City
(503) 215-2429

Child psychologist Kristin Valerius presents ideas to grow a sense of responsiblity in your child, find work-life balance and deepen your relationships as a family. This is geared for children who are ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, developmental or behavioral challenges. Cost: free.

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