Transforming Lives Through Family Support: The PAFN Journey
When Anita first learned about her son Jayden’s diagnosis of autism, dysgraphia, speech sound disorder, learning difficulty and dyslexia at the tender age of four, it felt like an unknown weight was placed on her shoulders. In 2014, the journey ahead seemed daunting - especially with Jayden entering kindergarten as a non-verbal child. But what initially appeared to be a challenging path soon turned into a transformative journey.
As Jayden started kindergarten, Anita took on the role of his Educational Assistant (EA). It was a pivotal decision that allowed her to be his voice, helping him connect with his peers when communication felt impossible. Although speech therapy had been part of their routine, progress was minimal. That was until music therapy entered their lives. Once a month, music therapists visited the school, and for the first time, Anita witnessed Jayden light up. The joy and excitement that came with music ignited a spark in him. He began to show a willingness to try and communicate, leading Anita to seek more intensive support. When she discovered ET Music Therapy, a proud PAFN partner, and enrolled Jayden in daily sessions, everything changed. By the time Jayden turned seven, he could sing to his mother as a way of communicating. The music therapy became a lifeline - a form of expression that bridged the gap where traditional speech therapy had struggled.
As a single mom, Anita faced challenges, but the community rallied around her, allowing her to advocate fiercely for funding to continue Jayden's music therapy. It was a struggle, but the impact was undeniable. When PAFN emerged as a resource in 2017, it felt like a breath of fresh air. PAFN provided an invaluable network of support for families like hers, focusing on strengths rather than limitations. They offered them unique programs that encouraged neurodiverse children to explore robotics and coding, which allowed Jayden to excel in high school robotics while his younger brother, Ashton, found his passion in coding.
Through PAFN, Anita discovered a community that believed in the potential of neurodiverse children. They emphasized a “can-do” mentality that shifted her perspective. “Autism is not a bad word; it’s a different ability,” she reflects. Jayden embraced this philosophy and, inspired by Connie Cocchia - PAFN’s founder’s daughter - he created a short film that opened doors to a creative future he never imagined. “I am here to show the world that neurodivergent people can do anything they want,” Jayden asserts, embodying the very spirit of PAFN. His passion for helping other neurodiverse kids shines through as he volunteers with local organizations, sharing his journey and encouraging others to embrace their unique abilities.
“One of the most powerful aspects of PAFN is its holistic, family-focused approach,” she explains. Anita praises the sibling program, which has fostered a strong bond between Jayden and Ashton, allowing them to grow as individuals and as brothers. The experiences they’ve shared through the network have transformed their understanding of possibilities.
Anita reflects, “There’s so much more at offer at PAFN than people know. They’ve opened my eyes to the future for my kids and showed me that they can lead fulfilling, successful lives.”
The opportunities that PAFN created for Anita and her children have been unforgettable. They’ve had the chance to participate in incredible experiences, like singing the national anthem at Rogers Arena, something Anita once thought was impossible. “We experienced a family moment that we will never forget,” she recalls with tears of joy. Jayden and Ashton have also opened for renowned artists like Sarah McLachlan, showcasing their talents and proving that with the right support, anything is possible.
Anita’s journey with Jayden and Ashton is a testament to the power of family support and community involvement. PAFN has been more than just an organization; it’s been a lifeline, helping families unlock their children’s potential and embrace a brighter future.
As Anita beautifully puts it, “If you open your mind to see what your kids offer, you will be amazed. Just give them a chance.” Through PAFN, the possibilities are endless, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.