Beyond the Diagnosis

Cody Cox, Camp Able, and the power of seeing possibility.

A conversation hosted by Ruben Escalona • October 14, 2026 • Abilene / Buffalo Gap, Texas

Sometimes a conversation changes what we notice. For Red Alpha Studios host Ruben Escalona, a longtime connection with Cody Cox began with a fundraising event and a print shop producing banners. Over the years, that relationship became something deeper: a window into the experiences of individuals with disabilities, the families supporting them, and the people working to expand opportunities in West Texas.

On Behind the X’s & O’s, Cody, Executive Director of Camp Able in Buffalo Gap, spoke with Ruben about the organization’s work, the role of horses, the importance of treating people as individuals, and why support should not stop when a child becomes an adult.

From a fundraiser to a bigger mission

Cody described how the Buffalo Run Adventure Challenge began in 2021 to help Camp Able address a practical need: shelter from the weather. What began as a fundraising idea became an ongoing community effort. During the interview, Cody reported that the event had helped raise millions of dollars over its history—figures he shared on air that should be independently confirmed before being used in formal fundraising materials.

He also described Camp Able’s growth since its founding in 2014, including a covered arena and plans for a 49,000-square-foot therapeutic riding center. Cody said the envisioned facility would bring together riding programs and additional resources, including physical and occupational therapy, speech-related services, sensory spaces, and opportunities to develop practical skills. Those services are part of the vision he discussed, not a statement that they are all currently available.

Look beyond the label

One of the strongest themes in the conversation was that no two people on the autism spectrum have exactly the same needs, interests, communication styles, or strengths. Ruben shared how becoming a grandfather changed his perspective. Instead of trying to have every answer, he has learned to listen, support his family, and better understand his grandson’s experience.

Cody emphasized the importance of speaking directly and respectfully to people who communicate differently. Someone who does not use spoken language should not be treated as though they are absent from the conversation. The larger message was simple: make room for people to participate in ways that work for them.

“Everybody's got something to offer.” — Cody Cox

What horses can make possible

At Camp Able, horses are central to many of the experiences Cody described. He shared personal accounts of participants gradually gaining comfort around horses and families noticing changes in confidence or communication. He also explained that progress may be slow and that staff sometimes spend weeks helping a participant feel comfortable before approaching or riding a horse.

These stories are meaningful firsthand observations, not evidence that any one experience will produce the same results for every participant. Cody's emphasis was on patience, individualized support, and meeting people where they are.

The question that changed the plan: What happens after school?

One of the interview’s turning points came when Cody described sharing early plans for the new center with animal scientist and autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin. According to Cody, when he asked what the facility most needed, her answer was job skills.

That response expanded the conversation beyond riding programs. Cody spoke about the importance of giving young people and adults opportunities to discover what they enjoy, practice real-world tasks, and develop greater independence. He pointed to a printing and promotional-products business as an example of how different kinds of work can create pathways for people on the autism spectrum.

For Ruben, whose family operates Red Alpha Custom Prints, this opened a practical possibility: could the printing, graphics, and trades community help create future training or employment opportunities? During the show, Ruben offered to explore connections and ways to contribute. It was a conversation about potential collaboration—not an announcement of an established program.

Community is part of the work

Camp Able’s mission reaches beyond individual sessions. Cody spoke about the role of volunteers, local businesses, families, and community events in helping people feel included. He described how experiences at Camp Able have influenced his own family and young volunteers, giving them a broader understanding of others.

Ruben reflected on the purpose of Red Alpha Studios: making space for conversations that introduce audiences to people and needs they might otherwise never encounter. This episode is one of those conversations.

How to get involved

If you are a parent, caregiver, educator, prospective volunteer, or business owner interested in Camp Able, start by contacting the organization directly. Ask about current programs, eligibility, schedules, volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and available family resources. Cody encouraged families to reach out even when a particular program may not have an opening, because the organization may be able to point them toward other resources.

The episode also mentions upcoming fundraising activities and a November 10 appearance by Dr. Temple Grandin. Event details and ticket availability can change, so confirm them through Camp Able’s official channels before making plans.

For current event details, tickets, program availability, and ways to support Camp Able, check the organization’s website or social channels. This article summarizes an interview and does not provide medical advice or guarantee therapeutic outcomes.