By Rae Stone

When Jackson Stone was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, his parents didn’t know where to turn. His mother refused to believe that he could not be cured, and began to try every therapy they could afford -and many they couldn’t. Frantically they worked, knowing that Jackson slipped further away every day. When medical testing revealed that Jackson no longer fit the criteria for any condition on the autism spectrum, the Stone’s prayers were answered. Jackson had become a ‘typical’ child.

In a time of despair and confusion—when one in every 88 children in Canada is diagnosed with Autism—the extraordinary story of Jackson Stone and his family’s journey through autism is a profound, proven message of hope for anyone whose life is touched by this disorder.

Jackson was born kicking and screaming on a cold winter day in December 2008. Everything appeared normal as I quickly checked for all 10 fingers and toes. After a sigh of relief, I tried to sooth my newborn infant. He was beautiful; a work of art. What I didn’t know on that day was something was lurking below the surface that I could not detect, something that threatened to take my son from me, affecting his quality of life. Its name was Autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and biological disorder affecting brain function. Jackson was placed on the Autism Spectrum with the specific diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) when he was two and a half years old. Prior to the diagnosis, I decided to do a quick search on the Internet to learn more about the disorder, after having worked with adults on the spectrum, I think my gut knew there was something wrong. While researching, I ran across ‘Autism symptoms in a toddler.’ My stomach hit the ground as I realized my Jackson had many of the symptoms. I tried not to worry too much and casually mentioned it to our pediatrician. Still to this day, I don’t know why my stomach hit the ground again when the pediatrician looked me in the eye and said, “Yes, your son has Autism.” I guess suspecting and facing it are two different journeys.

Autism has become one of the most widespread child epidemics in recorded history. There are many theories as to what causes Autism but currently there is not an ‘official cause’ that the medical industry recognizes. Early intervention has proven to be the best course of action for children on the spectrum.

We moved quickly as was suggested to us. Research has proven that there is a small window of opportunity in which therapies can make a difference to the rapidly growing brain of a child under five years of age. I poured myself into the internet, researching, learning; I bought books and became an active member on the online community boards. It was tough, the days were strained and the nights were long. Everything I knew about raising children, I had to rethink and relearn.

I still have a lot to learn when it comes to Autism, life and patience. I believe that this life is where we must learn to overcome things, grow and improve ourselves. My son has helped me tremendously. I believe we are given only what we can handle and for some reason this is something we can handle. Now, in no means am I saying it is easy; there are days I wish I had a different life. That’s when I realize that this too shall pass and life will move forward.

My patience is much better now than it was when we began this journey through Autism, but, I still work on it every day. There is a process in all things. Sometimes there is no absolute cure or way to ‘fix’ your child and the way I find peace is to realize that my child is special and that even he with his difficulties has something amazing to offer in this life.

It has been two years since Jackson was diagnosed with Autism and at our last appointment with our pediatrician he was speechless. We have been told that Jackson no longer fits the criteria for any condition on the autism spectrum and that whatever we have been doing we should keep doing. Our prayers had finally been answered.  As a mother who took Autism head on it became my mission to advocate, support and be a resource for parents out in our community.

In November 2012 I founded Kootenay Kids Coalition, partnered with Autism Speaks Canada, when I saw a need that was not being met in our communities in the Kootenay-Boundary regions. Now I am able to share my story, provide resources and support while advocating awareness. We cannot cure our children of Autism but we can help them recover and teach them that Autism – whatever the definition, does not define who they are, they define Autism.

Rae Stone is a published author, artist, Autism advocate and CEO & founder of Kootenay Kids Coalition. She obtained a Business Degree in 2000 from the University of Calgary, later specializing in Human Resources and moving on to Human Services. Her specialty was Assessment Screening and integration of adults with disabilities into the workforce. Thirteen years later, she has chosen to stay home with her three children and concentrate prior knowledge on bringing awareness to autism, while helping provide the resources and support through Kootenay Kids Coalition.

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