One of the things about having an Autistic is simply this- not getting enough attention. I want to take some classes, go some places like the library regularly, but my brother just gets more attention. He gets therapy, one on one (which means one student to one teacher), and generally more attention, and stuff like boy scouts, where my parents always go along. And my academic accomplishments are usually not noted so much. However, I know that he needs that extra attetion. I know it'll be worth it. For those of you who are siblings of Autistics, remember that. And remember you're not alone.
This story,
A Family Thrives in the Shadow of Autism, is something to remind us of what needs to be done. For some of us, like me, it luckily reminds us that we have it pretty good. Unfortunatly, for some others, it reminds us how badly we want it better. We tell ourselves that there's ways where Autism can be a blessing, but it is so often a shattered dream.
Dreamsby Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
(from
http://www.favoritepoem.org/poems/hughes/dreams.html)
I was too young to have dreams for my brother when he was born, but my first ones for him was, as because of his early interest trying to make lightbulbs work, was to have him "invent air energy," that is, I guess, energy that can be used anywhere as long as there's air. I'll hold on to that dream.
Some people think that all Autistics have amazing abilities, especially in math, science, and computer science, but those are probably the things my brother is worst at. I'm afraid that for him, to accomplish what I dreamed he would, he won't do it while he's Autistic. I want the cure.
