confused
06-26-2005, 10:15 PM
I work in a school for children with special needs, some with downs syndrome and autism. I feel very compelled to post a message here and offer some hope to anyone who may read this.
I have a brother who has autism, I love him very much. When I was younger, my brother used to have anxiety attacks. I didn't know that's what it was before, because I didn't educate myself and we didn't talk about it. We would go out, and when stores closed he would get worried and ask us questions. If I didn't say the right answer, he would have a tantrum. There were times when it got very bad, and people would stare. One time someone came up, and started shouting like he was. This was jackass who was in his late teens. It was very stressful to go out, but it never stopped us. Never give in to other people.
My brother is high functioning. I had issues of my own to contend with, and my own demons. It was after my boyfriend left me I got into a deep depression for a few years. During this time, I really took a step back and looked at things differently. I started acting more like a friend to my brother, and less talking down to him. I still feel alot of guilt for the things I have done to him in the past, and what I didn't do.
Just remember this, no one ever asks to have autism or it's characteristics. I was reading a message from someone who said they were afraid their friends would be embaressed because her brother watches Barney. Big deal. My brother likes to watch sesame street, and so do I. I'm not ashamed to admit it. There are alot of hidden messages and educating themes in children's programming. I remember seeing Mr. Rogers, and he talked about accepting people and not judging them. The world would be a better place, if we all took to the advice.
Some siblings with autism may be aggressive to you, or do things to annoy you like stare at you or get in your face. They don't do this deliberately. Sometimes it's hard for them to communicate and, they will also enjoy negative attention. Attention is attention, it doesn't matter if it is good or bad.
Some people have said that he is lucky to have a sister like me. But to tell you the truth, I am lucky to have him. He is loving, and caring, and funny. I love him for everything he is, I wouldn't want someone who is his age or is conceded or worried about what's in to wear or what not. Be who you are, and ask for nothing less.
I have a brother who has autism, I love him very much. When I was younger, my brother used to have anxiety attacks. I didn't know that's what it was before, because I didn't educate myself and we didn't talk about it. We would go out, and when stores closed he would get worried and ask us questions. If I didn't say the right answer, he would have a tantrum. There were times when it got very bad, and people would stare. One time someone came up, and started shouting like he was. This was jackass who was in his late teens. It was very stressful to go out, but it never stopped us. Never give in to other people.
My brother is high functioning. I had issues of my own to contend with, and my own demons. It was after my boyfriend left me I got into a deep depression for a few years. During this time, I really took a step back and looked at things differently. I started acting more like a friend to my brother, and less talking down to him. I still feel alot of guilt for the things I have done to him in the past, and what I didn't do.
Just remember this, no one ever asks to have autism or it's characteristics. I was reading a message from someone who said they were afraid their friends would be embaressed because her brother watches Barney. Big deal. My brother likes to watch sesame street, and so do I. I'm not ashamed to admit it. There are alot of hidden messages and educating themes in children's programming. I remember seeing Mr. Rogers, and he talked about accepting people and not judging them. The world would be a better place, if we all took to the advice.
Some siblings with autism may be aggressive to you, or do things to annoy you like stare at you or get in your face. They don't do this deliberately. Sometimes it's hard for them to communicate and, they will also enjoy negative attention. Attention is attention, it doesn't matter if it is good or bad.
Some people have said that he is lucky to have a sister like me. But to tell you the truth, I am lucky to have him. He is loving, and caring, and funny. I love him for everything he is, I wouldn't want someone who is his age or is conceded or worried about what's in to wear or what not. Be who you are, and ask for nothing less.