Isabelle is a 10 year old girl whose brother was diagnosed with Autism. She relates in her own words how it has changed her life and her family.
“Ready or not here I come!” was the sound of my little brother and I playing a fun game of hide-and-go-seek. Playing hide-and-go-seek is fun. Have you ever played hide-and-go-seek before? I have. This is a story about a time my little brother was diagnosed with autism.
My little brother used to talk a lot. He would dance and play with me. He would laugh and he would cry. I remember those fun days. We would hide from him and say, “I’m going to get you!” He would burst out laughing! My parents would hug and kiss him and Joshua would hug and kiss them back. He would love to go out to eat or to the store without screaming and crying. I remember his ear splitting cries when we left the room, and his slimy, cold, wet, drool kisses he would always give.
I came home one day and I saw my parents crying and hugging Joshua. I thought he did something dangerous or he was dying. Then they looked at me with sad eyes and, “Our life will never be the same.” And I knew I wouldn’t too! I could feel tears in my eyes. The burning sensation made my eyes fill up faster. I was speechless! My little brother Joshua James Olivas was diagnosed with autism.
Autism is a condition characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts. But in an easier way to say, he sees life a little different than I do. Life has been pretty hard since that day. We eat organic and gluten free/dairy free food and we have what feels like a million therapy sessions every week. He is getting better very slowly but we take it day by day. On the bright side he loves his new diet! And I love him! He loves to cuddle, tickle, laugh and run. He may have autism, but he loves his family.
Our bonds are strong and I think that is one thing autism can’t take from us, that and the fact that we LOVE him. We will continue to try to fight to win my Joshua back, and I know one day we will WIN! I just told you about a time my little brother was diagnosed with autism and I will never forget.
~ Isabelle O.
Thank you Isabella. I have just read that story out loud to my son Jake who is 8. He also remembers a time when his little brother would play with him before he had autism. They would jump of our sofa crying “To infinity and beyond” and talk to each other and giggle together. Then Nathan stopped wanting to play with any of us, but we are also doing a million therapy sessions (feels like that anyway) and special diet to help him come back to us. Anyway I wanted to say that Jake enjoyed your story and said it reminded him of us and that it is nice to know that we are not alone. Thank you so much for writing it.
Isabelle:
I so appreciate your article about your brother’s diagnosis of autism and what it has meant to your family.
Our family has also been affected by autism spectrum disorder diagnoses, and we have all had to adjust to the differences that are necessary to help our loved one heal. It’s not easy being the sister or brother and having to deal with all the changes. You are doing a great job and your willingness to share your story will help other sisters and brothers to understand and deal with the changes they face.
God bless you! Keep going forward and keep educating others.
Marcella
Isabelle, thank you for being such a good big sister to your Joshua, and for telling the world about him. I bet you are an amazing sister and wonderful blessing to your parents. 🙂
What an inspiration! Isabelle you are a blessing and your little brother is so blessed to have a sister like you!
Isabelle,
What a wonderful sister you are to Joshua. My own son is really lucky to have two siblings that feel just like you do! Keep telling the world your truth. You are amazing!
Thank you for allowing us to post your beautiful piece today.
-Goddess
What an amazing and wonderful big sister!!! You are an inspiration!!!
The good news: we now have Thinking Siblings, like Isabelle. It’s siblings like Isabelle, who, along with their Thinking Parents, may change the world.
Isabelle, thank you for sharing your brother and your story with us. What a lucky, lucky boy Joshua is to have such a dedicated sister by his side. We’re all behind, and youre right, you will WIN!!! big hugs!!
Thank you for writing your brother’s story Isabelle! He is very lucky to have such a wonderful sister and family. Don’t ever give up on him! XO
Oh, tears! I lost it when Isabelle referred to her brother as “my Joshua”.
I worry about my NT daughter. Her twin brother is affected.
These kids – the siblings- are going to change the world. I truly believe that.
Isabelle we are so proud of you! Joshua loves you so much! And you are the best big sister in the world! We will win together baby! We promise! We love you!
Thank you, Isabelle!! You are an awesome sister!!!
Isabelle, you are the best sister a kid could ask for! Keep loving, keep dreaming and keep fighting for that little guy. We are all behind you and cheering you on. This is very well written too! xoxoxo
Thank you, Isabelle, for sharing your brother’s story. Don’t ever ever ever give up on him! xoxoxoo