Autism can have large effects, good and bad, on a disabled child’s siblings

One of the least fun moments I recall from my years of growing up with an autistic brother was when he bit me on the cheek — just in time for my class photo. I was 12 and he was 11. I went into school with visible bite marks, and when they sat me in the chair for my solo shot, I told them that the cat had done it.

That’s one of the bad stories. As for a good one . . . um, to be honest, I have a hard time coming up with much.I know that people are warmed by stories of siblings who selflessly shower the disabled child with love, attention and support. I think that’s great, too. And it’s for real for some siblings. But for many of us, relating to a sibling who is on the autism spectrum can be complicated. The challenges to a warm, close relationship are many. Normal sibling rivalry doesn’t work, because it can never be a fair fight. 

To read the rest of the article please follow the link below: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/autism-can-have-large-effects-good-and-bad-on-a-disabled-childs-siblings/2012/08/31/e35a82e2-b956-11e1-abd4-aecc81b4466d_story.html