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<\/a> (This was particularly true for Chuck e\u00a0Cheese….even I get sensory overloaded there!)\u00a0 There were the embarrassing temper tantrums that happened in public with everyone staring at us.\u00a0 There were the songs he would sing at the top of his lungs when we went out.\u00a0 There were the odd behaviors that always drew attention to our already peculiar family.\u00a0 (Having quadruplets can cause a commotion.\u00a0 More on that another time.)\u00a0 Life was filled with compromise, frustration, and embarrassment.<\/p>\nSo how do my kids feel now<\/em> about having a sibling with autism?\u00a0 I asked them and this is what they had to say.<\/p>\n It’s embarrassing<\/strong>.\u00a0 My son doesn’t always remember that singing as loudly as you can isn’t always welcome. (Think walking the aisles of Target or through the middle of the mall.)\u00a0\u00a0Or that public is not where you ask private questions so loudly that others can hear.\u00a0 And no one wants to be\u00a0associated\u00a0with the teenager who is playing with the stuffed animals\u00a0and speaking in unusual voices.<\/p>\n It’s frustrating<\/strong>.\u00a0 My son does not like change and compromising is difficult for him.\u00a0 So even choosing a restaurant to go to can be challenging unless you get him on board from the beginning.\u00a0 If it’s not where he wants to go, he can be very unpleasant.\u00a0 He also doesn’t share well, especially if it’s something on which he is very focused.\u00a0 Which is very frustrating when it involves the computer and the other kids need it for homework.\u00a0 He gives it up, but he is not\u00a0enjoyable to be around for awhile.<\/p>\n It’s brought out a protective instinct<\/strong>.\u00a0 A couple of my kids are protective by nature, but having a sibling who is seen as different has brought out that characteristic in powerful ways.\u00a0 Not only are they protective of their brother, but they are very sensitive to others who may be left out or feel unwelcome.\u00a0 They become angry and quick to action when they see someone who is being mistreated.<\/p>\n It’s normal<\/strong>.\u00a0 His differences are just who he is so they become normal.\u00a0 They only become aware of\u00a0the difference\u00a0when they look at other families or when we are out in public and he does something unusual.\u00a0 They are used to their brother’s peculiar behaviors so they think of him as just another sibling.<\/p>\n I know it’s been hard for my kids.\u00a0 There have been many tears of frustration shed as they’ve had to learn to adjust and accept And I’ve learned that a diagnosis of autism does not have to breed resentment.\u00a0 Talking to my kids and letting them express their true, raw feelings\u00a0has allowed\u00a0them to process the journey.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As a result, they love their brother for who he is and accept the compromises that need to be made.\u00a0 It makes a momma proud!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After my son’s diagnosis of autism, I became concerned for my other kids.\u00a0\u00a0 How would his diagnosis impact\u00a0their lives? I heard stories of siblings becoming resentful because everything revolved around the disability.\u00a0 I didn’t want that for my kids, but … Continue reading <\/a> their brother and all that encompasses.\u00a0 But they also love him and\u00a0embrace him for who he is.\u00a0 He’s brought a lot of joy to all of our lives.\u00a0 He has a surprising sense of humor which keeps us laughing.\u00a0 He can\u00a0be very sweet and compassionate.\u00a0 He has a desire to please and make others happy.\u00a0 He’s taught all of us to be more patient and tolerant of others.\u00a0 He’s taught us to be gracious and forgiving.\u00a0 He’s taught us to celebrate\u00a0accomplishments large and small.<\/p>\n