Autism Acceptance Month | Quinn’s Story

Father and son ride around South Pasadena in a purpose-built bicycle built for two.

PHOTO: Paige Kennedy-Piehl | South Pasadenan.com News | Quinn and Scott riding around South Pasadena in a purpose-built bicycle built for two.

If you squint, you can see it off in the distance. It’s brown in color and it’s steadily gliding towards you.

You see a few figures come into focus as it comes closer. It’s almost upon you and one thing is undeniable. It’s the widest smile you’ve ever seen.

That smile belongs to Quinn.

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Quinn struggled like us all with the restrictions that the pandemic rendered. He loves to be outside and was heartbroken when he couldn’t visit any parks and playgrounds during the lockdown.

His older sister, Grace, came to the rescue with her dogged research for a solution. According to Paige Kennedy-Piehl, Quinn’s mother, Grace found it in the Virtue Schoolbus Bike. Designed to haul kids in a safer manner than strapped to the back of a bicycle, it had enough room for Quinn to sit and enjoy the ride.

Problem solved.

He rides with his father, Scott, and it’s become a special bonding time for both of them. They try to ride every day.

Scott has his preferred routes along Milan Avenue and in and around Eddie Park. During their rides, they chat about what they see and wave to neighbors and friends. As Kennedy-Piehl puts it, “One of the biggest things we have noticed is that Quinn becomes a lot more vocal and communicative when he’s out riding with his dad.”

PHOTO: Paige Kennedy-Piehl | South Pasadenan.com News | Quinn and Scott riding around South Pasadena in a purpose-built bicycle built for two.

On the weekends, they’re up and out early to get a jump start on the day. One of their favorite activities is to visit the little libraries in town to swap books and pick out new ones. In the summer months, they ride in the evenings too.

During the lead up to Halloween, Quinn loves to ride around and see all of the festive holiday decorations. These outings spark many conversations about what he sees. According to Kennedy-Piehl, “It’s been a great source for him as a point of reference and for him to point out what’s going on in the neighborhood.”

Aside from riding around the neighborhood with his father, Quinn loves to swim at the Rose Bowl. He truly enjoys being outside and around friends and family.

Kennedy-Piehl is grateful for how the community has come together to make him feel welcome. When you see Quinn, you only have to remember one thing. Smile.