This week we began our discussion about what it's like to have a sibling with autism. I'm excited to dive more in depth with this topic. I am excited to see how you connect with this topic as it could be you, one of your friends or another family member.
To begin, I told you in class I had a blog post that I wanted you to read. We just finished up the effects on parents. This blog post/letter does an awesome job of showing the effects on both parents and siblings. The guilt from the parent, and the hardships of the sibling. Read it here.
Now looking totally at siblings, I would like you to listen to this NPR radio piece. I love the perspective that it presents. The sister of the boy with autism shows her frustrations as well as her love for her brother. You will hear a very sincere glimpse into her life as a sibling of someone with autism. The clip is 7 minutes long, so make sure you set the time aside to listen.
Now I want you to read this poem. I think this poem is so powerful. I can feel the hurt in her words, but at the same time I can see glimmers of acceptance for who her brother is.
Finally, I want you to watch the following video. I have been SO excited to show you this. Some of you may have already seen it, as it went viral on Facebook a few years ago. As usual, Mr. VanLaan laughed at me while watching this because it made me cry. It touched my heart so much! While the boys are both young, you truly have hope that they will continue to love and support each other as they grow older. Conner is just a true inspiration! (Plus it's a video about a triathlon, which I love!)
This may not be a story about a sibling with autism, but it is a story about a disability and how a brother shows love and acceptance. As we have been and will continue to discuss, this is most important.
Star LINK of the Month!
Elise
I’m Elise, and I have a few facts about me that you might not know. I went to Sandy Hill, I moved to Jenison in fifth grade. Before I moved I lived in Door, which is about half an hour away.
I play the flute, and I am the oldest of 3. I have a younger sister, Kiley, who is 11, and a younger brother, Rhys, who is 8.
Last year I was on the honor roll all year, and ended the year with a 4.0 GPA. My favorite teacher ever would probably be either Mr. Gort or Mr. Roper.
For extra-curricular activities I do sideline cheer, competitive cheer, and gymnastics.
I decided to do LINKS because I was in art last year with the boys, and I really wanted to do it after I saw it in action.
LINKS is challenging for me because we all know that sometimes the boys are in their moods and they don’t listen. That is probably the most challenging part, getting them to focus when they really don’t want too.
I love LINKS because I have it 6th hour, and its a really fun way to end the day. I love the boys, and I love getting to learn about them each individually. They all are very unique and I love seeing all their different quirks.
Mrs. VanLaan