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8 THE NEW TANNER A u t i s m Aw a r e n e s s : Musing from a Mom Thankfully "Odin's Story" went viral and social media gave a real problem the attention it deserves. For those who aren't aware, Odin Camus is a 13 year old boy from Peterborough who has Asperger's Syndrome (on the Autism Spectrum) and struggles with bullying and being ostracized by his peers. Last weekend, he invited friends to his birthday get together and did not receive one "yes." As a way to improve Odin's day, his Mom, reached out to her contacts on social media asking them to text Odin a birthday message on his new phone. Well, her request grew legs and Odin had a birthday to rival all birthdays, has appeared on television but most importantly has shed light on what it is like to grow up being "different." I was very touched by this story. It gave me the initiative to share our family's story and a recent incident that cut me to the core. It truly hurts to see your son hurting. now first- and ow it feels to be that Mom. I have four sons (15, 11, 9 and 6). That in itself makes for a busy, interesting household. To add to the mix my 11 year old son, Anderson, has Fragile X (a genetic mental impairment), Autism, ADHD and ODD. Having Anderson in our lives can be a challenge for the adults as well as his brothers. Unfortunately, Anderson is unable to regulate himself especially during transitions. Sometimes, this leads our family to look like a `circus side show.' I am aware that seeing a young boy yelling, hitting me and swearing is not pretty to look at. However, Anderson is a person. He is a super handsome young man. He has the best sense of humour, is loving, kind and wise beyond his years. He may be the boy without many peer friends but the adults who know him love him to bits. I can't count the funny Anderson stories we continually share. Anderson doesn't forget anything. So when "adults" (not his peers) judge him out loud in a confrontational way, imagine his pain? He still randomly repeats some of the mean things that were said three weeks ago. Another parent at our school made Anderson (and our entire family) feel less than welcome at our before and after school program. Judgmental, discriminatory comments were made in THURSDAY, APRIL 02, 2015 The Youth of St. Joseph Patron of Canada Church challenged Priest/goalie Father Robert Hetu and the adults to a game of hockey last week. - Submitted photo St. Joseph Patron of Canada Parish hockey game and chili cook-off The Youth of St. Joseph Patron of Canada Church challenged Priest/goalie Father Robert Hetu and the adults to what turned out to be an exciting game of hockey last week. With perfection Baillie de Souza led the players and crowd in singing O Canada and Grand Knight Kazi Borkowski of the Knights of Columbus did the official puck drop. "The Adult team were real try hards" according to Youth goalie Elijah MacDonald on the 4-2 win by the Adult team. Sister Mary Katherine Kessel (Declan Harrison) really found her feet and surprised both goalies with quick shots that left the crowd roaring! T e fi e wee guardian angels came from on high and ama ed e eryone as t ey ew around Father Robert. The refs were taking no guff and delivered a pie in the face to the yappy player in the Penance Box (Aaron MacDonald). What a game. The community centre was full as everyone enjoyed tasting and voting on the seven Chili entries. Karen Feibel took home the honour of Best Chili with second place going to Eileen Quackenbush and third place to Penny McCabe. Desserts were plentiful as families gathered as a parish community and enjoyed time together. Over $500 was raised to support youth attending faith conferences. PETE'S AUTO PAINT PRESENTS Knox Presbyterian Church 44 Main St. N., Acton, Ontario L7J 1W2 Telephone: 519-853-2360 519-853-5495 Email: knoxacton@gmail.com front of all of our young children. Then society wonders why children don't know how to exist in an inclusionary environment. You learn what you live. Your actions teach your children that it is ok to be mean to a peer who struggles with a condition. Anderson didn't ask for this genetic mutation and we didn't know it was a part of my genetic makeup to pass on to him. However, all considered, I wouldn't trade having Anderson in my life for anything. He has taught me more about myself and the world than all of my life experiences combined. He will grow into an amazing man. He may not share the same life milestones as others his age. But I will never fail to provide him with great life experiences. Together with Anderson's determination, his family, our true friends, his therapists, awesome teachers, school staff, and EAs we will help Anderson to become the best he can be. He is already reaching milestones we were told he wouldn't meet. We won't ever give up. In light of Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and Odin's story I feel compelled to share that this stigma exists in our small town too. I encourage you to talk to your children and teach them understanding and sensitivity. As a family, please view the awareness video that is now available through www. raiset e agforautism com Teach yourselves and your children inclusion and be thankful for what your family isn't affected by. Together we've got this. EASTER SCHEDULE ALL ARE WELCOME TO THESE SERVICES Maundy Thursday, April 2 - Dinner at 6:30 p.m. (soup, sandwich) immediately followed by the Sacrament of Communion 7:15 p.m. Good Friday, April 3 - Procession of the Cross from Churchill Community Church 5:30 p.m. and stopping at all Acton Churches concluding with a service at St. Alban's 7 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 5 - Knox begins Easter Sunday celebrations with an early service 8:30 a.m. Prospect Part (weather permitting) Breakfast at Knox 9 a.m. - Easter Service of Worship 10:30 a.m. APRIL 2 WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY