Local MP Mike Lake recognizes World Autism Month

OTTAWA -- Leduc-Wetaskiwin MP Mike Lake rose in the House of Commons this week to recognize World Autism Month.

The annual month of awareness each April to foster inclusion, build awareness, and increase understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Speaking in Ottawa, Lake took the opportunity to honour his son Jaden, who was diagnosed with ASD 28 years ago when he was just two-years-old. 

"Mr. Speaker, April is World Autism Month, and it has now been 28 years since my son Jaden was diagnosed. Today, Jaden is 30, and an enthusiastic extrovert, but back then he seemed almost completely stuck in his own world," said Lake. "Our instinct at the time was to try to help him by pulling him into our world, and it did help. I have since gravitated to a slightly different approach. These days I spend more time in Jaden's world, getting down close to him, looking at what he is looking at, and tuning in to what holds his attention in the moment."

ASD is a lifelong neuro-developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior. Behavioral assessments can reliably diagnose autism by age two, though some are identified earlier. Before coming under the same umbrella in recent years, the conditions of Autism Spectrum Disorder had been broken up into individual afflictions such as Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder.

"When I intentionally pause, put the phone away and just sit still with Jaden, I experience things I normally miss, like the sense of wonder gazing out a train window, the value of non-verbal communication or the strength of connection through physical contact: a hug, a tussle, a tickle or Jaden's famous high-five," said Lake. "We too often default to defining people like Jaden by the help they need, but in my experience, I have learned many of the most important things in my life from him. Jaden has helped me, I hope, to be a better person than I would have been without him, and for that, I am truly thankful."

Jaden, who was in attendance in the House of Commons gallery, received a rousing standing ovation from both sides of the aisle.