The Extraordinary Challenge of an Unusual Daredevil

My six year old son, Jad has Autism. 

We have known since he was 15 months. Even though his case is not what I would personally qualify as severe, he remains non-verbal in spite of all the years of speech and other therapies he has bravely tackled. 

These sessions have been imposed by us, his parents, obviously. He has never asked for any of it and I am certain, if he could verbally convey his thoughts, he would probably ask us to leave him be. 

Jad Bou Onk: Not your basic hero

Therapy is hard work. Every session is draining both physically and mentally and yet, Jad makes great efforts to persevere with our demands. 

We are lucky to have found brilliant therapists who are now making these additional mandatory endeavors slightly less exhausting and more fun. Still, I always feel all of this is so unfair to such a young child who does not really know why it is happening to him. 

Let me be clear though: I am grateful for these therapists and their hard work and I know ultimately, Jad is benefiting from all of this. Nonetheless, my softer mommy side cannot help but feel bad for him. 

I also need to be clear on another pivotal truth: we would never try or want to change Jad. He is the most perfect little person just the way he is. I would love to be able to change society though but that is another story. 

Instead, as we stand powerless facing this society which can be ruthless to people like Jad, we work hard to give our son tools that will allow him to find some happiness and contentment when he ventures into this (unsympathetic) world. 

"You may say I'm a dreamer"

My son, that superhero who traded a cape for a glider!

Every year, come April, I try my best to spread some awareness on social media. Families like us, healthcare professionals, therapists, educators and people from all walks of life rally and join forces with one goal: educate. 

It is crucial for us to speak of the fears, challenges, struggles and daily obstacles our loved ones face. It is also important to shed light on the kind of support they require. 

Because every human being deserves to live with dignity. It is a fundamental right and not an issue to be debated.

When we speak of "special needs", the common reaction can be apprehensive. Misconceptions are frightening and they often project people with special needs as a burden on society.

That is the sad truth when we decide to abandon these people to a fate of loneliness and segregation. 

However, if we educate and empower them to become active members of our society, all our expectations shift. If we give them the tools to be able to contribute positively and be independent, they no longer become burdens. They become a valuable asset we can rely on in so many ways. 

Gearing to for an extraordinary adventure

Superheroes do not need capes, a brave heart and a genuine smile will take them beyond our wildest expectations

That is why this year I chose a different angle for Autism Awareness Month. 

Instead of focusing on our struggles and challenges, I decided to shed light on Jad's strengths. 

This year I wanted to speak of abilities instead of disabilities. 

My little boy has autism but autism does not define him. It is one of so many characteristics that make the complex and beautiful person he is.  

Jad has so much potential, I cannot help but stare at him in awe. My heart races and sometimes I can hardly contain my excitement at the sight of him and how he behaves.

On Saturday March 31st, he did something not many of us would do: he flew. 

Flying is such a powerful action and symbol and is so accurately representative of who Jad is and who he can be.

He has so much courage and strength and his abilities may differ from the norm but they are brilliant nonetheless.

My son is fearless. 
He loves life and the world. 

And he flew above society, above stereotypes and negativity.

He flew with bravery and heart. He smiled at the clouds and laughed with the sea as he soared over Jounieh.

All smiles after a fantastic landing!

Paragliding Jounieh supported us in every way and truly enabled Jad to show his potential and go beyond what is usually accepted as his limits. They did it with complete professionalism, but most importantly utter kindness and love for Jad.

Dream Team

As I will never get tired of saying: Jad is absolutely perfect and he truly is the best version of himself. I would never wish him any different or would never think of changing him.

What we strive to do is simply what any parent does on a daily basis: empower him to go beyond stereotypes and obstacles and give him a chance to show the world his true potential.

Our main goal on that special day was to focus on different abilities rather than disabilities.

The People of Determination as they are now rightfully called in Dubai are truly exceptional and show us everyday that differences are not less. Differences are beautiful.

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