To my brother...

BeAware

7 March 2013 16:25

My story:

I'm 17, and my 12 year old brother has autism...

When I was younger, I could hate him at times, but I knew that it wasn't his fault, which made it hard to hate him, or the autism. It can be a real struggle at times, but I know that I always can take a break from it... My brother can't.

I REALLY appreciate what he has taught me...

and that's why I made him this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUt4qLxsk7k

First reply at top Last reply at top

striving2dobetter 7 March 2013 18:21	Hi BeAware, Thanks again for this -I've watched it again. You must be a grat brother to have. It would encourage me to hear just what you have learned from your brother. And it has made me think, what you say about your brother not being able to take a break from it. Yes, it's a gift, but some aspects do seem heavy to carry. Since I started to think I might have Asperger's, I have been consciously a lot more understanding and tolerant of others...I don't know what others experience from me, but I certainly feel that way. Striving2dobetter(butdoinggreatanyway)
moi 7 March 2013 20:17	I love your playing and I think your brother is lucky that he has such a loving brother.My son who has autism is 12 and sometimes his 14 yr old big bro finds it hard to cope but he always always watches out for him and i reckon having an Autistic brother partly makes him the person that he is,I think he is amazing and there are many times he is far better at dealing with his younger brother than I am.I think brothers like you and my son deserve so much recognition for the extra care and understanding that you give and I think healthcare professionals probably would have much to learn from brothers like you.
BeAware 7 March 2013 21:50	Striving2dobetter My brother taught me that a matter always holds more than one aspect. Yes, it can be challenging, both for parents, siblings and of course the person with autism, but in order to live with it, one has to see it, understand it, on all aspects. And knowing my brother has really changed me as a person. He is so pure, he never intend anything to be bad towards anyone, and knowing a person like that really changes your perspective on other people You seem like a thinker, I am as well, and a lot of times I’ve felt so different. I’ve just come to the conclusion that no matter how separated I feel from others, I will NEVER be alone, because everyone feels that way from time to time Moi Thanks a lot for the words ! I think one of the most essential gifts of having a family member with autism, is the way he/she changes you and your view on others. I can only speak for myself, but I can really see myself in the way you describe your older son.