. >> reporter: 9-year-old patrick sweeney is no different. d that makes this one of the few places that's the case. >> there was a point where we didn't think skating would be possible. >> that a boy. >> reporter: patrick has autism, but thanks to a new system developed by coach joe delino, patrick is engaged. >> all i've done is found a way to communicate and connect with them. >> reporter: his system is called small light sports. >> follow. >> reporter: images projected on to the playing surface which lead kids through different drills. >> let's hit a puck into the net. by having the light of the cue on the floor, it allows them to be in the right place at the right time. >> reporter: o'brien is dyslexic and has adhd. for him, staying focused on his youth hockey team can be tough. but at smart light, he likes doing the work. >> without the lights, it's kind of harder. but with the lights, it's a lot easier. >> reporter: joe didn't design it just for special needs kids. his system can help anyone, especially this tech-savvy generation. >> it