This is my son Toby who has just turned 18. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 6 with a mild intellectual disability. He has always had challenges throughout his school life with peers and teachers and his home life with his siblings.

His disability has meant he has always been funded for an aide to assist with his learning, and over the years has accessed psychological help with his social skills around friendships and dealing with people in general.

Recently, to add to his challenges, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and this has been one of his greatest challenges to adjust to. However, his love of physical activity/sporting activities at school means he has maintained a healthy weight range and now with his diabetes, his diet is also healthier and more balanced. His desire to exercise and go to a gym has been something that we haven’t been able to achieve due to lack of financial support and his need for one on one support (personal training) to prevent injury and to break down instructions instead of him struggling to follow a written program with his poor literacy skills.

We would all love the opportunity to participate in a funded program that Toby may benefit from not only on a physical level but also emotionally through improving self-esteem. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/outer-east/dancing-man-at-belgrave-bus-stop-brings-smiles-to-passersby/news-story/a61a4dbd9e9c77d9baa80021490b513d for a video link of Toby dancing click above

The dancing man at Belgrave bus stop brings a smile to passersby

Sam Bidey, Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

A FEARLESS performer who dances like there’s no one around while waiting for the bus has brought joy to passing drivers.

Toby Lunnon busts a move at the bus stop. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Toby Lunnon just loves to dance. The 21-year-old Belgrave man lives with autism but he doesn’t let that stop him from busting a move.

While waiting for the bus to and from his work at Knoxbrooke in Mt Evelyn, Toby likes to pass the time with a good beat and some sweet steps, something people in the community have grown to cherish.

“I would like to shout out to the really cool dude who dances like no one is watching at the bus stop opposite Joy Ave on Monbulk road in the afternoons,” Charmaine Carrol posted on social media.

“My kids look forward to seeing you every night. You bring them and me so much joy.”

Toby said he had been dancing since a young age and it didn’t really matter where he was if he got the urge he’d be dancing.

“I’ve done it on the train a few times, I’ve never been to a disco but I’ve done it around the city at parks,” Toby said.

“That’s only on workdays that I dance at the bus stops.”

Toby said his freestyle dance style was made up of moves he’d seen on TV and some he’d come up with himself.

He said he liked to listen to anything with a good beat, such as Eminem or Flo Rida.

April 2013 (6 months later) Toby enjoyed coming to Vibes and training with Margie. He does enjoy physical activities. He is still doing his stretches 2-3 times per week and does either walking, throwing basketball or boxing each day as his cardio workout.

When he exercises, we notice an immediate (by next meal) improvement in his blood sugar levels and his mood improves, which is fantastic. Unfortunately, due to the distance and travel challenges, we cannot maintain regular commitment to travel down into the city, however, If someone was closer to us or the program was adequately funded so that Margie could travel to us for a morning or afternoon a week, that would be ideal. Thank you for the opportunity, Allison Toby’s mum

Toby was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 6 with a mild intellectual disability

The dancing man at Belgrave bus stop brings a smile to passersby

Contact us

Celebrating Abilities Melbourne Charity

Support & Funded by Vibes Fitness Melbourne

SIGN UP TO CELEBRATING ABILITIES NEWS