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Life With An Autistic Son Gave This Mom A Voice And Strength

Adele noticed changes in her youngest son, Aidan, who was only 14 months at the time. The changes she noticed were: he completely stopped talking; he would not respond to his name; had many night terrors; made no eye contact and he would get much more frustrated.
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Parenthood is a journey where we learn to embrace and enjoy the beautiful moments and we learn to cope with the challenges that parenthood brings us.

It is an honour to share this story of a truly inspiring woman and mother of two who has learned to alter her life with an autistic son.

So what exactly is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

According to Autism Ontario, ASD is a life-long neurological disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to the people and world around them. ASD can affect behaviour, social interactions and one's ability to communicate verbally. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that while all people with ASD will experience certain difficulties, the degree to which each person on the spectrum experiences these challenges will be different.

Onset is early childhood and the presentation changes with development over the life span.

Adele and Aidan's Story

In 2001, a life-changing event occurred within Adele's immediate family, and at the same time Adele noticed changes in her youngest son, Aidan, who was only 14 months at the time. The changes she noticed were: he completely stopped talking; he would not respond to his name; had many night terrors; made no eye contact and he would get much more frustrated.

With these concerns, she took Aidan to the pediatrician and from there they were referred to a developmental pediatrician. After a six-month wait to be seen, they were seen by the developmental pediatrician. Many tests and assessments were done. In the meantime, Adele kept track of the changes as the behaviours started to get worse. In 2003, Aidan was diagnosed with autism. By this time he was two years old.

Aidan received Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) through Erinoak Kids Centre for Treatment and Development for only two years, as they were on a waiting list for four years (this is government-run program). While Aidan was on the wait list, Adele and her husband paid for private ABA therapy on a part-time basis (this was all that they could afford at the time) and Aidan was also enrolled in preschool.

On top of this, Adele, did a lot of work with Aidan at home and she was able to help him a great deal as she is what I like to call a "warrior." Adele did a lot of research to better educate herself on autism and she came across a community organization called Community Living Mississauga that provided her with resources and workshops to help her.

Once Aidan was discharged from Erinoak Kids Centre for Treatment and Development for ABA therapy and transitioned full time to elementary school, the teachers at his school were amazing and supportive. But of course Adele never gave up and ensured that the hard work at home continued, too.

"This did not change my life but it altered it. This is all I have known."

This experience has made Adele realize that there is a lot more that she could do. She was no longer shy and became more assertive. This motherhood path that she was on gave her a voice and strength, and she became fair but firm. "I never gave up and will always be there for my sons," Adele stated.

When reflecting on her journey, I asked Adele what she felt was the biggest accomplishment for her and her son. Adele responded with such pride in her voice and said, "He is able to use the bathroom on his own at the age of 13."

Some may not understand the significance in this, but as a mom who has heard from experts that her son will be in diapers for the rest of his life, to have him do this on his own is just an amazing accomplishment!

Parenthood is a tough job to begin with, so I asked Adele what advice she can give to a family who has a child with Autism. Adele stated: "It's not the end of the world and there is hope! Don't believe everything you hear. It is hard work and it isn't easy but it can be done."

She further added, "Your children do grow up and you need to adapt with their growth. Get past the judgement and develop a thick skin."

Being a working mom with a busy household does not stop Adele from helping others. Often she helps and guides other moms of autistic children. She comforts them and is always ready to answer any questions that they may have. On top of it all, she gives back to the organization that has helped her family by organizing and executing an annual fundraiser. Money raised from the event supports programs and the summer camps for kids with intellectual disabilities at Community Living Mississauga.

"You go through so many feelings when you first hear that your child has autism. You feel a fear of the unknown; guilt; denial and then acceptance. It is tough but the rewards are priceless. Never give up! The best moment for me is when you finally hear 'mom' when you were told you would never hear it." Adele lastly adds, "I wouldn't change him for anything!"

Adele's journey is inspirational and a great lesson for us to love one another no matter how we may be perceived by others. Someone with autism is just a person with individual needs. A person with loving family members. A person who needs to be accepted and included in her or his community. As this person grows into adulthood they need to be given equal opportunity preparing for and succeeding in adulthood. Autism does not end in childhood and it stays with them for the rest of their lives. Let us be more supportive of them and their amazing families that exemplify pure strength.

Thank you Adele for sharing your story of hope, courage and never giving up. Thank you for all that you do for your family and community.

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