Twelve

As World Autism Awareness Day approaches, I think of my son who recently turned that precious "pre-teen" age of 12.  Aidan, back in 2013 was the "hero" of Autism in our Northern community of Sault Ste. Marie, and he got his 15 minutes of fame.  His picture hit the front page of the paper, all from a simple oral explaining what it is like to have Autism.  He also went to our City Council meeting, to celebrate the official declaration and recited that same speech to our mayor (at the time) and city council representatives.

Front Page News! (Sault Star, February 2013)

During his school presentation, my husband filmed it and I never tire of watching it, it still gives me chills and tears.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2JilgXvvx8

It just proves that you never know what our children on the spectrum can accomplish.
 

From that oral presentation to now, Aidan has faced a move from his home and school to a new city in a new country.  New school, new places, new everything, and still he amazes me on how he can adapt and adjust to differing surroundings.  There are hiccups along the way and life continues to have struggles for him, especially with puberty right at our doorstep.  But I hold onto hope.  I reflect on where he was and what he has done, and it truly takes my breath away.  The boy who entered kindergarten in "pull-up training diapers" and could barely hold a crayon, graduated that June in "big boy underwear" and is now a budding artist, regularly attending art classes and loves different mediums and materials in his artistic pursuits. 

So on April 2nd, pause for a moment, and think about how many of us struggle with Autism and let's all work together to create understanding, awareness and acceptance.