For a painfully honest take on how a special needs child affects other members of the family, listen to this excellent report from National Public Radio, Coping With an Autistic Brother: A Teenager’s Take.
The piece focuses on 15-year-old Marissa Skillings, whose 11-year-old brother Andrew has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Marissa talks about the challenges of living with a brother on the autism spectrum.
He talks nonstop; talking and talking and talking. He’ll tell anybody information about any animal whether they want to hear it or not. People can tell Andrew has a disability….When he gets nervous he moves his hands back and forth.
He talks nonstop; talking and talking and talking. He’ll tell anybody information about any animal whether they want to hear it or not. People can tell Andrew has a disability….When he gets nervous he moves his hands back and forth.
Having a brother with autism takes a toll on Marissa’s relationship with her parents. Her brother often interrupts and makes it difficult for her to receive attention.
Sometimes she stays out as late as her curfew allows so she can avoid time at home.
I come home and deal with it when I have to, and when I don’t have to deal with it, I make sure I don’t.
She and her brother tell the story of the time a neighborhood boy picked on Andrew. She chased the bully down the street, cornered the boy and slapped him.
I don’t hate my brother. I’d kill for him. But I could kill him too.
