EDMONTON — Thirteen years ago when David Wilson was diagnosed with autism, a doctor told his parents that he’d likely end up in a group home. Contrary to the original prognosis, David has become quite accomplished.
He won Employee of the Year at the Save-on Foods where he holds down a job and he was a recipient of the Alberta Great Kid award a year ago. And after spending nine years training with Young Masters, a martial arts club specifically for kids with autism, David has fulfilled his dream of getting his black belt in tae kwon do.
“A lot of people were skeptical, thinking, ‘how do you teach children with autism who might have extreme behaviours, who might have extreme sensitivities to sound, et cetera, martial arts?'” said black belt champion and occupational therapist, Jonathan Rivero, who coached David.
While other tae kwon do clubs might focus on perfecting kicks and blocks, Young Masters helps students develop discipline by being less regimented.
David’s dad, Scott Wilson believes that this kind of supportive environment, which caters to the students’ unique needs, was crucial to his son’s success.
“If you’re overstimulated and you need to run around – you see a couple of the kids here bouncing off the walls literally, right? That’s okay here. And I think that was the key for David.”
He adds that the program also gives hope and empowerment to parents, whose world may have “come crashing down” after their child’s autism diagnosis.
What’s even more remarkable is that David is using the skills he’s gained from the program over the years to now teach others. His coach approached him with the idea after he got his black belt.
“I thought David would be an incredible instructor because of how he sets goals for himself,” Rivero explained.
The most important lesson David teaches his students? “Do your best, always.”
With his recent success, he’s become an inspiration to not only the younger pupils, but also their parents, as well as his coach.
“David’s come a long way,” said Rivero.
“He is a man that I look up to. It really makes me feel proud to be part of his life.”
David’s next goal is to get a post-secondary education. He’s hoping to get into the NAIT digital media program.
With files from Su-Ling Goh, Global News
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