“That’s what freedom looks like for a child” – National Child Day 2025

Beth and Andrew’s parenting journey is marked by love, learning and advocacy. Married for 26 years, they are the proud parents of three children, Aaron (12), Arielle (9) and Alayna (4). Each of their children has brought something beautifully unique to their lives, and each, in their own way, has taught them the importance of celebrating every stage of childhood. 

Aaron was born premature at just 26 weeks of gestation. His arrival was the beginning of a long and complex medical journey. His first few months of life were spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), followed by years of in-home nursing and diagnoses that would shape the trajectory of his and his family’s lives. Beth recalls, “The first three years were the hardest. We were dealing with heart, kidney, lung and gut issues. He was on Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) at home, receiving his nutrition through a G-tube. He also had a colostomy bag… so many things all at once.” 

At two years old, Aaron was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While ASD runs in the family, Beth describes being somewhat “numb” to the diagnosis at the time. “There was already so much going on. I just thought, okay, this is something else we’ll overcome.” As Aaron entered nursery school, the signs became clearer. “I started noticing how different he was from his peers – how he wouldn’t hold my hand like the other kids did with their parents, and how unpredictable he was. That’s when it really hit me: This is the ASD now.” 

Beth is quick to acknowledge that Aaron’s progress has only been possible because of the incredible supports they received over the years. From early intervention programs to specialists at SickKids and Grandview Kids, Aaron was wrapped in a community of care. “Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) therapy at home for 8 hours a day and occupational and physiotherapy, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy with Grandview Kids changed everything,” she says. “He started responding to his name, didn’t need a stroller anymore. Things that once seemed so far away started to happen.” 

Beth remembers a therapist once telling her, “Thirty or forty years ago, Aaron would have been in an institution.” That thought stuck with her. “It made me realize how grateful I am for the system we have today. It’s not perfect, but it’s getting better.” Thanks to inclusive education, Aaron is now in a regular classroom with integrated supports. His classmates know, understand and include him. He has also been able to attend summer camps and sports programs that allow him to just be a kid. 

Despite their challenges, Beth emphasizes how joyful family life can be. The kids love indoor playgrounds, and pizza nights are a family favourite. “If everyone’s happy, Mom’s happy,” Beth laughs. “And if we can get Aaron away [from] typical preteen activities like YouTube and gaming for a while, it’s a win.” Long road trips to visit family in the U.S. are treasured memories, and simple moments like everyone laughing in the car or playing together are what Beth holds dearest. 

On top of being mom, Beth is a fierce advocate. She served on Grandview Kids’ Family Advisory Committee (FAC) for nine years, where she helped shape services based on real caregiver experiences. “When Dr. Hunt approached me to join, I felt empowered. They wanted to hear from us. What was it like waiting in the lobby? What would make it better? They listened, and it meant so much.” Even though she’s stepped away due to a two-year rotation break, she plans to return. “Advocacy gives me pride. You go through something hard, and you want it to be easier for the next family. That’s why I do it.” 

Beth also champions greater awareness about autism. She highlights books, shares her story widely and even participated in a podcast episode on “Beyond Autism, Beyond the Label,” offering insight into Aaron’s journey. “The more people hear our stories, the more they can understand and make better decisions – for their kids, patients and communities.” 

For Beth, National Child Day is about recognizing every child’s right to a joyful, fulfilling childhood, no matter their diagnosis, background or challenges. She wants to ensure that barriers are broken and opportunities are unlimited. “Growing up, I had a beautiful childhood. I want the same for all my kids and for every other child. Aaron has that right, too. He gets to be in the classroom, play sports, go to camps and choose what he enjoys. That’s what freedom looks like for a child.” 

She adds, “When you’ve been through something hard, and you tell your story, maybe someone else doesn’t have to go through the same thing. Maybe they get seen sooner. Maybe they don’t have to wait two hours in an empty waiting room. Sometimes it’s the little things, like toys in the waiting area, that change a family’s experience.” She encourages others to realize that their story and voice matter. Every step forward is worth celebrating.