Brother with Autism

[Tiffyla13]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][FONT=Comic Sans MS]I'm 14 years old and i'm turning 15 in July and I need some ideas for a party. I don't have a lot of friends cuz i am the person that people would refer to as the "quiet" or "shy" person. None of the people i know have been to my house, and i keep thinking that my party will be boring. I don't buy cds, so i don't have any good music and i don't even have a good movie that is up to date. I also have a brother with autism. I am worried about what people would think if they did come over to my house. It would totally be embarrassing because he doesn't act like a normal person. He likes watching barney and he doesn't know how to talk either. He makes weird noises and i know my friends would talk about him or laugh at him. I really want a party but my brother is embarrassing. WHAT SHOULD I DO? WHAT WOULD U HONESTLY THINK OF HIM IF U CAME TO MY HOUSE? :confused: my birthday is going to be a problem itself because it is during the summer and I don't have school. What suggestions do u guys have so that people will come to my house FOR SURE!!! WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE THE PARTY FUN? I know this sounds horrible, but i think i'm embarrased to let people know about my brother with autism. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope u respond back to me. :) [/FONT] [/FONT]

[AutMom]

Have you tried talking to your friends about it?
Do they know about your brother?
If your friends are involved in planning it, they may be more likely to come.
How about outdoor activities? Horse Shoes, Frisbee, or other lawn game. If you have a boom box you could just tune in to a radio station. How about a cook out?

[Tiffyla13]

[QUOTE=AutMom]Have you tried talking to your friends about it?
Do they know about your brother?
If your friends are involved in planning it, they may be more likely to come.
How about outdoor activities? Horse Shoes, Frisbee, or other lawn game. If you have a boom box you could just tune in to a radio station. How about a cook out?[/QUOTE]

I haven't talked to my friends about my brother. I don't know, I just feel embarrased to talk about him sometimes. I just have a vision in my head that my brother could humiliate me infront of my friends. My friends haven't lived my life or had experiences with autistic people or people with disabilities. Sometimes they laugh at other disabled students that walk around campus doing things they don't understand. Sometimes I wish that i didn't have to deal with an autistic brother, but I just have to live with it.

[AutMom]

Is there anyone, such as a school counselor, that you could speak to?
It was very helpful to my daughter to be able to talk openly to someone who was not directly involved.

[Michelle]

Tiffyla13 -

First of all, never be ashamed or embarrassed that your brother is Autistic. Trust me, as you grow older you'll find that he is one special person in your life as this has been the case for my family - I have an Autistic uncle. Secondly, maybe choose a handful of friends (true friends that you can trust) to have in your home. I agree, it's extremely difficult having a sibling around with autism, by being honest & having a heart to heart with selected friends letting them know about your brother (his actions, behavior, noises ect) will relieve your anxiety. Also, your friends will know what to expect & there won't be any suprises for them either. If these people are really your friends they will come to your party and accept your brother as he is - otherwise, their not true friends.
Finally, maybe you would want to consider going out for pizza, go bowling or miniature golf? Please don't take this the wrong way but since it's your 15th birthday, maybe you could use some time away from home & brother by having an "outing" with just your friends. .............. ?
I really wish you the best of luck. Happy Birthday ahead of time!

[Michelle]

[QUOTE=Michelle]Tiffyla13 -

First of all, never be ashamed or embarrassed that your brother is Autistic. Trust me, as you grow older you'll find that he is one special person in your life as this has been the case for my family - I have an Autistic uncle. Secondly, maybe choose a handful of friends (true friends that you can trust) to have in your home. I agree, it's extremely difficult having a sibling around with autism, by being honest & having a heart to heart with selected friends letting them know about your brother (his actions, behavior, noises ect) will relieve your anxiety. Also, your friends will know what to expect & there won't be any suprises for them either. If these people are really your friends they will come to your party and accept your brother as he is - otherwise, their not true friends.
Finally, maybe you would want to consider going out for pizza, go bowling or miniature golf? Please don't take this the wrong way but since it's your 15th birthday, maybe you could use some time away from home & brother by having an "outing" with just your friends. .............. ?
I really wish you the best of luck. Happy Birthday ahead of time![/QUOTE]