When Ayden Harbin was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, is a group of complex developmental disorders in brain development that can impair a person’s ability to communicate and interact. It often stops families in their tracks and many times, without resources, caregivers accept that their child is not going to be able to function within mainstream society. With that acceptance, depending upon the severity of the condition, they also come to grips with the reality that the child could very well be relegated to a mediocre lifestyle at best.
Ayden’s family did just the opposite. They committed from Day One to seek resources and embrace every positive possibility for their son in order to ensure his chance for success in life. Thus, by the time he was in kindergarten at Pittsburgh Liberty K-5, his mother, Pam Harbin, began petitioning the school to have him tested for the gifted program. By first grade, Ayden was tested and indeed found to be gifted. Subsequently, seven years ago, he began attending the Pittsburgh Gifted Center at Greenway in the West End, where science is his specialty.
As a gifted child, he has what is referred to as dual exceptionalities—gifted and having a developmental disorder as well. He has been on the trail of excellence ever since, and his accomplishments have been in direct correlation with his parents’ expectations.
“When it was suggested to me that I speak to the school about having him tested for the gifted program, I thought, ‘Why not?’ I believed my son to be just as bright as the next child, so I did not hesitate to let them know my wishes,” his mother recalls.
Ayden will soon complete seventh grade at Pittsburgh Sterrett 6-8. For the past three years, he has been involved in the Gateway Medical Society-sponsored mentoring program for African-American male students, Journey to Medicine. Ayden’s experience in the Journey to Medicine program has had great influence on him for his future aspirations.
“I like science a lot, and I’m interested in medicine because I have a desire to save lives,” Ayden says. “I have a good brain, so I think becoming a neurosurgeon is where I’m headed.”
This is a lofty ambition for sure. But not unattainable, according to Morris Turner Jr., who works with the students in the Journey to Medicine program and is the son of the late Dr. Morris Turner, a noted Pittsburgh obstetrician-gynecologist who was devoted to bringing health care to women in underserved communities.
“During the interview process with Ayden, honestly, I had no idea he has autism; I simply thought he was shy and, therefore, initially I had concerns,” says Turner Jr. “But swiftly my concerns were put to rest. Ayden fit right in. He is filled with enthusiasm, always one of the first to volunteer, and he is consistently able and ready to answer the questions. As far as I am concerned, he has no special condition.”
Quick-witted, filled with humor, and with a mild demeanor and gentle spirit, Ayden also holds the distinction of being a filmmaker. He has participated in the Joey Travolta Film Camp held at Winchester Thurston School for two weeks each summer and found that he has a strong affinity for editing film.
“Ayden is an extremely humble young man who leads by example,” says Carolyn Komich-Hare, director of the Joey Travolta Film Camp. “I admire the fact that he does not seek the spotlight and is quick to share his accomplishments with those around him. This is a trait that would be very important in being a model for the next generation. When I think of him, I think of a great, caring, happy young man who has tremendous potential.”
A musician, he plays both the piano and the trumpet at school and also at Hope Academy, the summer arts program at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, and at the Chatham University Music and Arts Day Camp.
Ayden resides in Point Breeze with his mother, father Kerry Harbin, and his younger brother, Amari.
“Over the years, we chose to keep a focus on Ayden’s strengths; we kept him in public school and worked to keep him from slipping through the cracks,” his mother shared. “We feel that our commitment to champion the cause of Ayden, and his subsequent success, are proof that all children should have an opportunity to excel and to ultimately be contributing citizens to our community.”
Ayden speaks about his future and of facing challenges.
“In 10 years, I will be graduating from Pitt and getting ready to go to medical school,” he says with confidence. “I’m prepared to overcome challenges, by either using my wits or my intelligence, but I figure as long as I keep learning, I’ll have the tools I need for any challenge.”
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