This is clearly more of a benefit to the adult siblings of people with disabilities. It's a valuable reminder for families of children with autism spectrum disorders that the needs of siblings continue on as kids grow up.
If you pay attention, there's a stream of media coverage that gets at the issue. National Public Radio broadcast a piece on January 1 about Marissa and her younger brother Andrew Skillings, who is 11 and has Asperger's, a form of autism. You can read, see photos and hear about their relationship by clicking on "Coping with an Autistic Brother" at npr.org. Here's a quote from Marissa:
"Sometimes, if I get really frustrated, I just wish I could change everything: Sell him to the zoo and buy new parents," Marissa says. "But then the times when I'm actually appreciating things and I'm not in the moment when I'm steaming mad, I do appreciate what I have."
"I don't think I'd change anything, 'cause this is my life and this is what I'm used to. Andrew wouldn't be like the Andrew I know and love if he was different, because autism is his whole personality."
You can find more articles related to siblings on Autism Bulletin.
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If you pay attention, there's a stream of media coverage that gets at the issue. National Public Radio broadcast a piece on January 1 about Marissa and her younger brother Andrew Skillings, who is 11 and has Asperger's, a form of autism.
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