My Story...
I have 2 siblings with Autism, it is a blessing they make you laugh, they teach you new things and you start to see things through their lens. Just like any condition, Autism affects children in a wide range of ways. Some families are lucky enough to have a child with Autism others are not so, but sharing a house with 2 siblings who have Autism but are totally unique to each other is amazing. The most beautiful thing that I have come across to this day is that 1 of my siblings is so adept at recognising emotions he is the most heart felt and it just shows that when times get tough and we all have those times, some alot more than others, it is this child who comes to give a hug and wipe your tears away.
There are many purposes as to why I have created this website some being: To challenge stereotypes, to challenge stigmas, to challenge lack of understanding and awareness, to increase acceptance in today’s society and among all to raise awareness of what a family with Autism go through on a daily basis so that no family or child is ever discriminated against their needs or condition. Each child irrespective of their needs deserves the best in life, and I want to contribute towards a positive change for families with Autism. I do not want anyone to ever experience what myself and my family have gone through.
Understanding Perception and Perspective...
Upon asking my sibling what he would like people to know about Autism he said:
- "I'd like people to have patience, to try to understand what it feels like for me and people like me when I can't express the way I feel".
"I'd like people to be less judgemental, I shouldn't feel like I have to fit in, I do not have to be like everyone else".
"Just because I can sit down and contain my excitement for a couple of minutes and jump up and down the next it does not mean there is 'something wrong with me' i deserve the right to be respected for who I am".
"I have something called a hidden disability, I may look 'normal' to others but just because they do not understand me or what my condition is I shouldn't have to understand why they can't see that not all disabilities are hidden".
"I may have Autism but I am a lot more than my diagnosis. My diagnosis enables me to get the support that I need, but I am just like any other child or young person I have many strengths and abilities but at the same time I will only show my talents to those who are accepting of me and to those who will be patient when I make a mistake. I should not be compared to others but often I find myself being compared day in and day out and I would like this to change because I don't like judgments, Acceptance is what I want and what I deserve".
An experience of my sibling, [17].