1. Datestamp: 04/26/2009
He was never supposed to walk or talk
Urbandale parents celebrate achievements of son, 12
good news :) Children
By NICOLE JOBST
njobst@dmreg.com
When Tyler Steinke was 2 years old, his parents, Gary and Terri of Urbandale, knew something was wrong.
He wasn't walking or talking. To get around, he was hopping cross−legged on his bottom across the floor.
"We had an older son, so we knew how that was supposed to go, so there was obviously something wrong,"
Gary said.
So began the process of determining the problem − countless visits to neurologists and doctors across the
state.
Finally, one gave them an answer, but it wasn't one they were going to accept.
A neurologist told them Tyler suffered from mental retardation and a nonverbal learning disorder. He would
never walk or talk. The doctor said they should start installing ramps in their home and calling special schools
in Iowa.
"My wife decided that's just not the way it was going to be," Gary said.
So another process began. Terri began doing physical therapy at home with Tyler and going to the Iowa City
Center for Disabilities. By age 7, he was talking. One word at a time.
Tyler and his parents don't dwell on what could have been or what is or was wrong with him. Instead, they
celebrate his achievements and try keeping up with his love for sports. Lots of sports.
Today, Tyler, 12, has participated in the Special Olympics playing softball, basketball, golf, soccer, running
He was never supposed to walk or talk 1

2. and doing the baseball throw. Gary calls him a fireball.
Tyler's love for sports is what keeps him active and helps him learn. At school he receives help with math and
does it through relating his problems to sports.
"Now, you're giving speeches, it's unbelievable," Terri said to Tyler. "Pretty good for someone that wasn't
supposed to walk or talk."
So, Tyler not only walks and talks but also loves to do both. That's what led him to become a global
messenger for the Special Olympics. In Februrary, as the youngest−ever global messenger, Tyler personally
thanked Iowa legislators for helping to finance the Special Olympics. The moment that Tyler gave his speech,
he did two things he was never supposed to do: he stood and he told the leaders his story.
"Look at how strong I am now," Tyler said to them.
Caption: SPECIAL TO THE REGISTERTyler Steinke of Urbandale practices golf with his dad, Gary. Tyler
was 2 years old when doctors told his parents he would never walk or talk. Today, he is involved in many
sports and has given speeches.
Section: Good News
Page: 4
Byline: NICOLE JOBST
Source: Staff
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