My Experiences with Autism

Autism is a brain disorder that makes it difficult for the affected to communicate or relate to others. It is something that I am all too familiar with since my little brother suffers from it. For years he didn’t speak and when he finally started too only a few people could understand him. He also could not and still can not sit still for long periods of time. My brother is constantly rocking back and forth with repetitive hand motions as well as head motions that sway back and forth. He doesn’t like his daily routine interrupted because it is what he is used too. All through school he was in special education classes which were difficult for both of us. Teasing was something that was regular.

I can actually remember in Junior High his aid was not paying attention when another student gave him a paintball; telling him it was bubble gum…luckily he showed me before he ate it. Needless to say, I was sent to the principles office for fighting that day. And Everyday I would wait at the bus stop to walk him home. One day I was walking ahead of him and when I looked back he was gone; he had seen a butterfly and chased it into the neighbor's cornfield. Thankfully I found him before my parents found out. He also almost drowned on my watch while we were small children. We found him just in time.

My brother did graduate from high school. But he will most likely never live alone and he will never be able to drive himself places. But there are special programs which allow him to work and teach him a few of the daily skills to survive such as vacuuming, mowing a lawn, and such. But he cant cook or do his own laundry. However, he is an amazing twenty-two-year-old man that sees the world differently than anyone I have ever met. He can see beauty and pleasure in the smallest things. The things that we would take for granted. He is the reason that I volunteer for the Special Olympics every year. I also raise money for an organization called Autism Speaks a few months a year. Well, it is that time, any money I raise from this article will be used for Autism research.

Here are some Autism facts:

1. Autism tends to run in families, so experts think it may be something that you inherit. Scientists are trying to find out exactly which genes may be responsible for passing down autism in families.

Symptoms Include:

1. A delay in learning to talk, or not talking at all. A child may seem to be deaf, even though hearing tests are normal.
2. Repeated and overused types of behavior, interests, and play. Examples include repeated body rocking, unusual attachments to objects, and getting very upset when routines change.

11 Early Signs of Autism:

1. Not smiling or showing other happy expressions.
2. No eye contact.
3. Not babbling.
4. Displays unusual movements.
5. No words by 16 months.
6. No Attempt to compensate for speech delays.
7. Under or over sensitive.
8. Does not want to be touched or cuddled.
9. Difficulty bonding.
10. Little facial expression.
11. Losing skills.

Since my brother cannot nor will he probably ever be able to live alone when my parents pass on it will either be my sister or I that will probably take guardianship of him. It depends on who is more stable with their living situation, which will probably be me because I am almost finished with my book as well as college. I have a really nice career in mind. And my little sister is still kind of in limbo with her life. As I am sure most young people are who happen to be twenty-one years old.

If you would like to donate then don’t hesitate. The proceeds of all my articles that will be written within the next few months will be going directly to Autism Speaks. Thanks and God Bless.