Woman and son run to raise awareness about autism

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Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Woman and son run to raise awareness about autism

By AMBER SHEA

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When Janet Norman-Bain found out her son was autistic, she felt only happiness.

" I thought great, " she said. " (Personally), I thought. . . we're going to

lead a more interesting life. "

Norman-Bain says autism is not something to be ashamed of nor is it a " life

sentencing, horror story, family-wrecking disease. "

Unfortunately, she said that is not the view of most people, but

Norman-Bain hopes she and her son, Bain, can change that.

Last year, Bain, 18, decided he would be the first autistic person to run

the Island tip-to-tip. But he would not be alone. Norman-Bain, who has

Aspergers - a mild case of autism - decided to take her bike and join her

son on his trek across P.E.I.

Together the two are trying to raise money in order to raise awareness

about autism.

Norman-Bain explains their aim is to collect $6,000 so they can pay to have

Dennis Debbaudt come to P.E.I. and educate the public on autism.

Debbaudt is a private investigator based out of the United States, who

teaches the law enforcers and medical personnel how to interact with people

with autism.

Bain and Norman-Bain set out on their journey July 2. They have endured

thunderstorms and rain, but they also had some more pleasant company.

They were joined by a man and his son who ran with them from St.Louis to

Alma and on July 7 they ran into Summerside accompanied by .

While in Summerside Friday, they collected a $100 donation from deputy

mayor Bruce MacDougall on behalf of the city.

From the sidelines Bain's father proudly watched his son.

" I'm doubly proud because she's doing this with him, " he said pointing to

Norman-Bain.

When asked a question, Bain gave a short answer and with a shy smile and

quickly turned away and retreated to a different part of the room. But

behind this boyish persona, is a strong athlete with a sharp mind.

Last year, Bain graduated from high school with honours and top marks in

math and English.

But Bain can not only talk the talk, he can walk the walk. Bain has been a

runner since he was 14. He is a member of the P.E.I. Road Runners and has

finished various races with a high standing. But a lot of those traits

never have a chance to shine because people can only focus on the

disability, Norman-Bain said.

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