To My Sibling With Autism: We are in this Together.
- Mo Langley
- Apr 29, 2019
- 2 min read
I was 10 years old when I first heard the word “autism.” I was told they thought my little brother was different and he needed special tests to figure out how to best help him. My mom explained they thought he had something called “autism” and more specifically, “Asperger’s.” I laughed at the funny name at the time and didn’t really understand what it all meant. I remember riding in the car after dropping my brother off for his testing and saying that I bet Asperger’s was what he had because the name was the most ridiculous-sounding. Oh, the things we think are funny as kids. I didn’t understand autism, I just knew that my brother had trouble in class, with friendships and social situations, loud noises, clothing and food, among other things.
When my brother received his official diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome (now autism spectrum disorder) my mom bought me children’s books written from the point of view of the sibling of a child with autism. I can remember asking her to read and re-read the books to me over and over again. I wanted nothing more than to understand my little brother. I wanted to help in any way I could. As kids at school would come to me and tell me all about how my brother was “weird” for displaying what I now know to be typical autism behaviors (obsessions, meltdowns, sensory struggles especially with loud noises etc.), I would tell them proudly, “My brother has autism. He isn’t weird.” Now as an adult, I’ve learned and understand so much more about autism and how it impacts my brother. Still, it hurts my heart to see him struggle.
--Alexis Holmgren, copied from "The Mighty.com"
J'ai été particulièrement touché par votre souvenir d'enfant, riant du nom « Asperger's » avant de vouloir désespérément comprendre votre petit frère. Cette soif de connaissance est si précieuse, non seulement pour le soutien familial, mais aussi pour déconstruire les préjugés et favoriser une acceptation authentique dès le plus jeune âge. Il est fascinant de voir comment une perspective enfantine évolue vers une compréhension profonde. Pour beaucoup, le chemin vers cette clarté, que ce soit pour soi-même ou un proche, peut être long et semé d'interrogations sur la reconnaissance des particularités. Si vous ou quelqu'un que vous connaissez vous interrogez sur ces traits et cherchez des ressources pour mieux les cerner, explorer des outils pour comprendre la neurodivergence peut être…
Mo, your experience of wanting to understand your brother and how those children's books helped you grasp what 'autism' meant truly resonates. It highlights how crucial early, accessible resources are for siblings and families navigating a new diagnosis, fostering empathy and support from the start. As you mentioned, the understanding of conditions like Asperger's has evolved, and for many adults, recognizing these traits in themselves or loved ones can be a long journey. For those seeking a clearer picture of these characteristics, sometimes a structured approach can be incredibly helpful, and I've found that an online Asperger's assessment can offer valuable initial insights.
Seeking an assessment as an adult can be a long process. A preliminary online Aspergers test is a great way to gather information and insights for yourself while you wait.
For parents with concerns about their child's development, an online Autism Test can be a private and low-stress way to explore potential ASD traits before seeking a formal evaluation.
If you feel your way of thinking, learning, or processing information differs significantly from the norm, you might be exploring neurodiversity. A NeurodivergentTest online can help evaluate signs associated with conditions like autism, ADHD, or anxiety, offering a simple tool for initial self-exploration of these traits.