MUNCIE, Ind. — Tyler Lease is known in his neighborhood as the neighborhood greeter, but is more recognized for his outgoing and energetic personality. On the outside, Lease looks like your typical 13-year-old teenager.
Lease lives with autism and a rare genetic condition called CTTNB1, a neurological disorder that impairs and delays brain development. The disorder was recently found in 2011, affecting roughly one in 50 thousand children.
Lease’s mom, Emily Crawford, has found support through her own research and in her community.
“We finally pulled him from public school because he was really struggling and was considering homeschooling him,” Crawford said. “Then, we got the call from Hillcroft that there was an opening coming up.”
Lease and his family are enrolled in Hillcroft Services Inc, a non-profit organization founded in 1953 that provides residential, employment, and community support services to individuals. They offer specialized programming, including ABA autism therapy, vocational training, and residential group living.
Lease is enrolled in the ABA therapy, where he learns skills and improves his behavior. He’s made significant progress since joining.
“Tyler has grown a lot in the past several months,” Clinic Director Kaitlyn Smith said. He’s worked really hard on communication, not only with his therapist and his parents, but with his peers. He was not really interested at first, but now he’s seeking them out to paint nails or to play.”
Outside of the clinic, Lease receives additional support through Canine Companions. Canine Companions is a nonprofit that issues service dogs to help people with disabilities at no cost. Last year, Lease and his family were paired up with Russell.
“The main thing that Russell helps Tyler with is regulation”, Crawford said. Tyler gets fixated on different stressors, so Russell can help redirect by nudging him or lying across him to add deep pressure.”
Lease and his family continue to utilize these services, but the support from the community remains endless.
To get involved in the program, visit their website.
Contact Amelia Winter with comments at amelia.winter@bsu.edu.
