On this World Autism Awareness Day, I’d like to share an uplifting story about my son, Kevin, and his friend, Cameron.

Kevin and Cameron met roughly 10 years ago when they were together in a Grade 8 class for students with autism. Cameron was among the high-functioning students, and Kevin, well, he was not.

Kevin has the ability to speak in words and understand most of what is said to him. But he is not adept at conversation and doesn’t have the ability to navigate the world by himself.

When they were in school together, Cameron would pay attention to the things he knew would be hard for Kevin, like fire alarm drills. On those days he would make sure to sit near Kevin to help keep him calm when the noise began.

Cameron went on from Grade 8 to graduate from high school and attend community college. He has a job at a car dealership.

Kevin stayed in high school until he was 21 and then moved directly to an adult day program, which he attends to this day.

Cameron and........

© TSN