My little grandson Jackson turns 4 today. He is my son’s middle child and lives in Melbourne, Australia.

He is a special little boy born recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD describes a range of conditions that include Autism and Asperger syndrome.

People with ASD have a delay or difficulty in three areas of development: language, social behaviour and cognitive & thinking skills.

In New Zealand it is thought that one in one hundred New Zealanders are affected.

My son and daughter-in-law have taken this in their stride and are managing life as normally as they can. They are both working in their chosen careers and are raising their 3 children in a living home. They are blessed to have the support of Nana who moved to Melbourne not long after they did.  She is a strong woman who loves spending time with the grandchildren and helps out often. It’s her birthday today too! She actually delivered Jackson who made his way arrival into the world at home ahead of the trip to hospital!

Jackson is a loving little boy who is curious about the world he lives in. He has an inquisitive mind that doesn’t like focusing for long, except if an iPad is involved! He understands most of what is spoken however he cannot yet respond with many words. He has no fear which is a little scary for the adults in his life!  We learnt this when on a family holiday last month in Bali when he jumped in the pool. He was amazing in the water.

Today we celebrate Jackson’s 4th birthday. His dad made two dozen cupcakes and loot bags to take to daycare for the children. He will have a red velvet birthday cake with his little friends. Jackson was blessed to be born to such great parents and with the unconditional love & support of his whole family will have a full & fulfilling life with us walking the journey with him.

Happy birthday Jackson. We all love you very much xoxo