After more than a year of gruelling tests, Austin was diagnosed with a rare form of the muscle-wasting disease, muscular dystrophy, leaving his parents, Richard and Gill, in total shock.
But now the couple have vowed to raise money for research into the little-known condition, and their first project is an ambitious fundraising concert.
Mrs Atkinson, 38, of Brockswood Court, Walton, said: "It felt like forever going through all the tests. Even though doctors had prepared us, you still hope that they don't find what they think they are looking for.
"I try not to get upset in front of Austin but it can be hard. I felt like the world had fallen out with me.
"You have all these expectations for your baby but all of these are taken away from you. You have this wonderful child and this doesn't change – he's the same person but you have to grieve about what he is not going to be."
Austin is now two-and-a-half years old and has daily physiotherapy to strengthen his muscles.
But the sports-mad youngster doesn't let his condition get in the way of having fun. He loves watching cricket, playing with his Rory the Racing Car toys and even his daily exercises are even games to him.
Mr Atkinson, 33, said: "Austin's condition will stay pretty much as it is but as he gets bigger and heavier he might not be able to cope with his own weight.
"But he's reaching new milestones all the time now with his physio – last week he started standing up for the first time."
There isn't a cure, but new tests are being developed weekly. Mrs Atkinson said: "Twenty years ago they didn't know anything about the condition. Now there is a lot of hope.
"We feel as though we can't just stand back and do nothing. Raising money seemed like a natural thing to do."
The fundraising concert, Hold My Hand, is on May 18 at St Peter and Paul's Catholic Church, Sandal, at 7pm.
It stars award-winning group Ti Amero, the North Stars Steel Orchestra, the Rodillian Singers and Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band. All profits go to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. For tickets, contact the Atkinsons on 01924 253261.