A child view on Autism

[Katie911]

My name is Elizabeth and I am almost 4 years old.  I was born into a life most would not understand.  My brother has autism.  He is 7 years old.  Instead of having a doting brother who loves me and protects me, I am more likely to irritate and make him made.

He will not play with me unless it suits his purpose.  We always have to play what he wants to play.  He will hit me if he is mad.  My mommy will stop him from being mean and tell him it's not okay.  Sometimes he has to sit in time out. 

I have been to many hosptials with my mommy and daddy and big brother trying to find the one thing that would help.  I go to a lot of the appoitments for my brother. 

My whole life I have know autism.  There is no adapting to it for me.  It is how i grew up.  If that is good or bad I am not sure.  But I know that I love everyone.  I am not jaded by the colors and behaviors of the other people around me.  i don't cringe at an autistic meltdown.  I make sure they have chicken strips on the menu.

I love my brother more than life it's self.  He is my brother and no matter what the future holds I will still love him.

Disclaimer:  I wrote this from the persepctive of my daughter about my son who was diagnosed at age 2 with autism.  Elizabeth was not even a thought when my son was diagnosed.  But my daughter has grown up with a huge heart for the disabled.  She is quick to help anyone she can.  She will hug anyone who wants one.  She does no judge.  She is protective of her brother.  She is the one yelling at people for making fun of her brother.  No one forces her to do the things she does.  She has an awesome freewill that we could only wish for. 

To those who will bash this, take the example from my daughter.  Love everyone, and respect everyone.  Because God loves us all no matter how messed up we are. 

[cindie83099]

Jun. 2, 2009 at 12:54 PM

Nobody is born a bigot and your daughter is the PERFECT example of that.  Good job Momma!

[erikamjohn]

Jun. 23, 2009 at 11:30 AM

That was simply beautiful.  You are very blessed.