North Section Athlete Profile

    Tyler Lagasse with

          Parents Ron and Debbie

Tyler is a 20 year old young man with a passion for golf.  He began golfing several years ago, and his passion hasn’t waned one bit.  In some ways, the fact that he has autism may be considered a distinct advantage.  In day to day living, distractions that may go unnoticed by many can sometimes stop him in his tracks.  However, when he is playing a round of golf, he can remain focused as if he were the only person on the golf course.  Tyler has a keen sense of observation.  He has an uncanny ability to watch a golfer and analyze his/her style of play.  It seems that he is able to concentrate on the details of a persons’ swing.

As a toddler, Tyler began showing signs of autism by the age of two.  He never sought out the comfort of his parents.  He did not like to be held.  He didn’t make any eye contact.  Yet he could read aloud.  By the age of three, his favorite book to read was the Reader’s Digest Magazine.  It wasn’t until he was almost four years old that he was diagnosed with autism.  It would be difficult to predict that he would be able to participate in golf after receiving that diagnosis.  He continues to master each challenge and move in a positive direction with a willingness to learn and grow.

Tyler began playing golf at the age of ten.  A student from the local high school took him out to a local golf course on a regular basis throughout the summer.  It was an opportunity for Tyler to be around “typical” teenagers and to practice social skills that he was learning during his various therapies at school.  Each week, goals would be set for Tyler regarding turn taking, manners, acceptable behaviors, etc.  The added bonus was that Tyler began to really like the sport of golf.  The lessons that he has learned on the golf course will continue to help him throughout his lifetime.  In fact, Tyler sought out and took advantage of an opportunity to play in a league.  While working at his job at Lowell General Hospital, he noticed that they had a weekly golf league.  By his own volition, he brought home the forms and self-advocated to join the league.

Tyler has played in a few Special Olympics Invitational Tournaments.  From there, he progressed to playing in the Special Olympic Qualifiers.  These Qualifiers enable players to participate in the Summer Games held at Amherst, MA in August each year.  Tyler has been competing at Level 5 for the Special Olympics.  This level of play is for participants that have a clear understanding of the game of golf.

Tyler has other interests outside of golf as well.  He has competed in the Special Olympics in Track and Field and Basketball.  He has also run a half-marathon as well as a duathlon.  In a duathlon, the athlete runs a 5K, then bikes for 13.1 miles and finishes up with another 5K run.  He also enjoys skiing during the winter and hiking during the summer and fall season.  Tyler also enjoys writing.  His journal entries are quite detailed and insightful.  While a general conversation may be tremendously challenging for him, his ability to write affords the reader to better understand the challenges that he is faced with each day.

Tyler is currently taking courses at Middlesex Community College.  Thus far, he has completed four undergraduate courses and has a GPA of 4.0.  He is considering pursuing a degree in environmental science.  His hope is to create alternative renewable energy resources.