For Nicole, motherhood has always been about creating a world where her children can thrive, no matter the challenges. When her son Diego was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, she quickly realized that the conventional parenting experiences many take for granted might not come easily. Activities like swim lessons, which seemed so integral to childhood and essential for safety, suddenly felt like an uphill battle. Yet, Nicole’s determination to give Diego every opportunity led her on a journey that would not only empower him but also inspire her.
“When Diego was diagnosed, I knew group lessons or community programs wouldn’t work for him,” Nicole shares. “His development needed a different kind of attention. I called everywhere—community centers, private swim schools, even big-name academies in Vancouver—but the moment I mentioned ‘autism,’ the tone changed. It was like I’d caught them off guard, and they just didn’t know what to do with us.”
That initial rejection didn’t deter Nicole, but it stung. “I wasn’t embarrassed or hurt by it,” she explains. “I understood their hesitation, but I was sad. I thought, ‘This is just a part of my life now, and I’ll have to find a way to deal with it.’” But she refused to accept it and that’s when everything changed.
After doing some online research, Nicole stumbled upon Propel where the response was refreshingly different. “I’ll never forget that first call,” she recalls. “The person on the other end didn’t pause when I mentioned autism. Instead, he said, ‘Teach me how he learns best, and we’ll make it work.’ It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. For the first time, I felt hopeful—not just for Diego learning to swim, but for the parenting experience I’d been longing for.” That person was Kiel, the founder of Propel.
Diego’s lessons became more than just an activity—they became a source of pride and connection for their family. “Watching Diego in the water gave me so much joy. It wasn’t just about swimming; it was about showing him that he could learn, be active, and gain independence, even if the process looked different for him. I wanted him to understand that his differences didn’t limit him, and swimming became a way to reinforce that.”
For Nicole, the impact of these lessons rippled through their lives. Diego’s confidence grew, and Nicole found joy in seeing him participate in an activity that so many parents might take for granted. Sometimes, Diego’s younger brother, Javier, joined the lessons too. “It was beautiful to see them together, bonding in a way that I didn’t think would be possible when Diego was younger. Moments like that made me so proud.”
Nicole’s message to other parents in similar situations is simple but profound: “Don’t despair. You’re not missing out on anything just because you’re choosing a different path. Those typical programs might not be the best fit anyway—they can feel like cattle calls, shoving kids through without personal attention. Your child deserves to learn in an environment that respects their individuality and meets them where they are.”
For families like Nicole’s, options like Propel—and accessing autism funding—can make all the difference. With resources designed to support children’s unique needs, these programs help parents create experiences that truly work for their families.
Now, at 14, Diego’s progress is nothing short of inspiring. “He’s in grade 9 and thriving,” Nicole beams. “He goes to the community pool twice a week with friends from his life skills program. Today, he was the strongest swimmer in the group and the only one brave enough to go off the diving board. It’s moments like this that remind me how far he’s come.”
Nicole’s journey with Diego is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding the right support. It’s not just about learning a life skill like swimming; it’s about giving children—and their families—a chance to experience the joy and pride that comes with overcoming challenges. For Nicole, those lessons in the water turned into lessons in hope, resilience, and unconditional love.
