Sports helps Vernon resident cope with autism

VERNON — An 18-year-old Vernon teenager with autism has a lot to celebrate as he is heading to Austria net year to compete in the 2017 World Games in alpine skiing.
Kyle Dehn attends New Beginnings School in Fairfield. In February, he competed at Mountain Creek in the 2016 N.J. Special Olympic Games in the Super G and Slalom ski events, and his time trials this past year qualified him to apply for the 2017 World games.
Dehn has been competing through New Jersey Special Olympics for the past nine years. After qualifying he applied had an interview and then was placed in a lottery.
"Sports help me with my autism by helping me stay more focused, concentrate and be more grounded," Dehn said. "It helps me also relax, have fun and be part of a group and make friends."
Of the trip to Austria, he said, "My mom, dad, sister grandmas, grandpa, uncles, aunts, friends and anyone that wants to or who could possibly attend would be welcome. They can cheer us all on for Team USA and me to reach for the gold."
"Kyle has always been blessed with mechanical ability and always has had the need for speed," said his mother, Kathy Rebisz. "He's a 'natural athlete,' and he has been non stop."
Years ago, Dehn joined the Vernon Mountaineers under the coaching of John Kelly and assistant coach Linda DeGroat. He has also been involved in town sports with neurotypical peers in karate, football, basketball and lacrosse. He is also involved in sports at New Beginnings and is competing once again in the special needs spartan race this weekend hosted at Mountain Creek.
The Alpine Skiing event in which Dehn will be competing will be held on March 14 through March 25, 2017, in Graz Shladming, Austria. Approximately 3,000 athletes will be there representing 110 nations. Dehn's event will have 390 athletes. The logo for the World Winter Games is "Heartbeat for the World."
"Kyle has overcome many obstacle involving Autism," Rebisz said, "He has worked very hard as he was totally non-verbal for over six years has had intensive educations tutoring occupational therapy, physical therapy and social skills training."