A Scout's honour
At 16, Edward King -- once a violent, at times suicidal, 11-year-old -- has become a person others can admire, as Shelley Page explains

Edward King, 16, has won with the Award of Fortitude, one of Scouts Canada's highest national awards. That's quite an achievement for an autistic boy who, just five years ago, had been suspended from school three times in three weeks.

The last time a story about Edward King appeared in this newspaper, he had just been suspended from elementary school -- the third time in three weeks -- for aggressive, unruly behaviour. That was five years ago, and the then-11-year-old with pervasive development disorder, a form of autism, was acting out because he'd lost the help of a full-time educational assistant. He was depressed and talked of suicide.

If any of us bothered to think past that day, past that story, we might have imagined young Edward, frozen out of the school system, receiving home schooling and a hodgepodge of tutoring, while his parents struggled to find a place where he could fit in. The only certainty, a dismal future.

Not so.

Just yesterday, Edward, now 16, sat at his kitchen table proudly showing off his Award of Fortitude, one of Scouts Canada's highest national awards. It is not given yearly, but only when a Scout of exceptional merit comes along.

Edward received the citation, signed by the Governor General, not just for fortitude, but also his "cheerfulness" and "willingness" to help out and participate despite his disability.

This is not Edward's first such honour. J.H. Putman Middle School created the Edward King Award when he graduated from Grade 8. Edward was the first recipient and it now goes yearly to a student who has overcome major obstacles.

The boy who five years ago was kept out of school has not only found a way back in, he has found a way to thrive in his own unique way.

After that first story ran, he and two other autistic children in his class were given the full-time support they needed. Edward finished elementary school and now earns top marks in Grade 10 in the applied stream at Woodroffe High School.

This is remarkable for a boy who, at age three, doctors predicted might never speak, and who used to bite, kick, pull hair and rage.

"I am really proud of myself," Edward says slowly, eyes twinkling. "It reminds me of when Forrest Gump got the Medal of Honor."

Gump, an unlikely American hero, possessed many autistic qualities, yet received the medal after saving members of his platoon in the Vietnam War.

During our interview, Edward begins reciting dialogue from the film, his favourite. He is not a savant, say his parents, he just has an amazing memory. He recalls the date and issue number of the 50 years worth of Canadian Geographic magazines he has read, and regurgitates hockey statistics like a pro. He also remembers that jazz trumpeter Miles Davis died on the same day Edward was born in September 1991.

But just as Edward is proud of his achievements, he also wants people to know life is not always easy.

"I am bullied all of the time," he says. "Some people are really mean to me."

Edward is routinely hit, shoved, poked with pencils and fingers, sworn at and belittled. He's stormed out of classrooms to escape his tormentors.

Last week, when Edward's award was announced at the family's church, St. Michael's Anglican, there were tears of joy in the eyes of many in the congregation. "It was amazing for them to see that this little brat -- oh, you know what I mean -- with all his tantrums, had grown into this young, helpful, cheerful young man," says his mother, Christine King.

A similar announcement was made over the public address system at Woodroffe High School. While teachers and students congratulated him, there were also the sneers and jeers from those who can't help but pick on the underdog.

His mom says the school administrators try their best to protect him from the cruelty. This year, when three boys in his drama class made it their mission to humiliate Edward, the vice-principal gave the students an in-school suspension and had them prepare reports on bullying and autism for school administrators and the drama class. "It was a brilliant strategy," says Mrs. King.

While Edward gets down because of the bullying, he tries his best to roll with the punches. Now too old for scouting, he volunteers with his father, Larry, a Scout leader. He wants to go into the Scouts' Service Corps. And he hopes for an adulthood that includes meaningful work, marriage, and maybe children.

"Children," Mrs. King exclaims. "I can't even quite imagine."

Edward succeeds in his community and school with the help of friends, therapists, nightly tutoring at home, and the support of teachers and administrators. It was a very proud Woodroffe vice-principal who sent out a press release about Edward's achievements.

"We have many angels in our lives," says Mrs. King.

At school, he has managed the soccer team. Last night, he was master of ceremonies at a talent show at his church. His parents have had to fight constantly to get their boy the support he needs.

"His successes have to be celebrated by the many communities that have supported him," Mrs. King says, smiling at her son.

For now, Edward is heading off to Rome for spring break with his church youth group. His parents aren't going. He seems a bit bewildered by the prospect. "I'll do great," he says, hesitantly.

"You will," says his dad. "We've always told you that you don't have to be the best, but you have to try your best. And you've risen to all of the challenges that you've been faced with."