Let's talk about siblings of autistics.
We read about them on other blogs, WE blog about our own experiences. We talk about how our older children are amazing, wonderful, understanding people. I always say that my two older daughters will make amazing mothers when their time comes.
I see the post and pictures of my friends talking about how wonderful the siblings are in their household.
I know some of these kids personally, and they are amazing. Absolutely amazing, patient, loving, full of empathy brothers and sisters.
But, I want to talk about the "other siblings", the brothers and sisters that are also on the spectrum themselves.
Are they just as empathetic? Do they understand something is different? Are they just as patient?
The answer is, YES, YES, and YES.
I remember last summer we were having dinner on the deck when Kingston, out of the blue, says to us "Mom, Papa, Allbri doesn't talk much does she?" I literally had to choke down the tears. First of all, he was right (but in her defense, Allbri's vocabulary has opened up immensely.) And, secondly, Allbri was sitting right next to me. I dislike very much talking about Allbri in front of her as if she isn't there.
But, Kingston is 5 and I have to deal with his questions and comments in a way he will understand.
He knows she is different. He just doesn't understand what to do with that information just yet.
One of the things I love listening to is Kingston and Allbri's conversations.
These conversations have always made me smile, and I smile with both pride for my son, and admiration for my daughter.
An example of this is, this past weekend, I walked in on a conversation that had already started between Kingston and Allbri. It went like this:
Kingston: "Allbri that is inappropriate."
Allbri: "inappropriate?"
Kingston: "Yes, "in" not "a" okay"
Allbri: "No thank you, want "a"ppropriate.
I couldn't help but smile, giggle, and walk away.
He has no idea he is the little brother......and that he is also autistic. Not that we haven't told him. He knows. I just don't think he gets the "spectrum" part of autism. He sees Allbri and doesn't see himself.
Kingston is Allbri's best friend.....and her worse enemy. He takes so much crap from Allbri.
When he was a baby, I had to keep them separated because she couldn't stand the sound of his babbling voice. Till this day, if he hums, she will run over and scratch him. The only difference now a days is, he will crack a smile and hum louder, running, and screaming....."MOM, Allbri hates me humming!"
Kingston is very protective of his sister. In a weird way, I think more than his older sisters. Maybe it's because they are closer in age. Who knows.
He tries to help her social game. Example of that was, we were at the park one day and Kingston had met a little girl. When Allbri came along, Kingston says to her "Allbri this is ____, say hi to her. Tell her your name is Allbri."
This made my heart melt. The boy looks after his sister, and again, he's only 5.
You know I use to have the thought about both of older girls fighting over who is going to be helping Allbri more once I'm gone. The thoughts of the two older girls thinking they know what's best for Allbri. (Sibling rivalry after I'm gone.)
But, you know what, my heart tells me Allbri will always have her little brother by her side.
He is her protector.
He is her translator.He is her body guard.
He is her best friend.
He is her therapy pillow if she needs it.
He is her brother, best friend, and fellow
autistic.
Let's hear it for the autistic siblings. These children are the heart and soul of their counterparts.
- I've never felt so blessed in my entire life. To see pure, honest, righteous love between two little creations and knowing I helped make these babies. This tells me I was giving a second chance to be and do something good. And we did.
