"Finding Acceptance"
By Hannah Engle
Talking about my brother with autism can be difficult at times. He is almost an adult which can make new situations and concerns for the future. People frequently ask: where he is going to college, who his girlfriend is, if he can drive and other questions. These examples are accepted as normal things a teenager may have or do. Everyone’s desire is to be included and feel “normal”. He’s older than me, but, a lot of times I as a sibling have to step up, take care, and stand up for him. As a sibling, I feel like it’s a responsibility to educate people; instead of let rude comments or questions just fly by. I’ve learned a lot of people who judge my brother just have no clue. It honestly helps me to put myself in the outsiders shoes to understand why they may act the way they do towards people with disabilities. Most who don’t live in a household with a sibling with a disability usually don’t understand.
As siblings and family members, it's up to us to spread awareness and promote acceptance for those with disabilities.
Hannah Engle is a high school student about to enter college, where she will major in Psychology. Her goal and passion is to spread acceptance and help for people with disabilities. Hannah's older brother is diagnosed with autism.
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
By Hannah Engle
Talking about my brother with autism can be difficult at times. He is almost an adult which can make new situations and concerns for the future. People frequently ask: where he is going to college, who his girlfriend is, if he can drive and other questions. These examples are accepted as normal things a teenager may have or do. Everyone’s desire is to be included and feel “normal”. He’s older than me, but, a lot of times I as a sibling have to step up, take care, and stand up for him. As a sibling, I feel like it’s a responsibility to educate people; instead of let rude comments or questions just fly by. I’ve learned a lot of people who judge my brother just have no clue. It honestly helps me to put myself in the outsiders shoes to understand why they may act the way they do towards people with disabilities. Most who don’t live in a household with a sibling with a disability usually don’t understand.
As siblings and family members, it's up to us to spread awareness and promote acceptance for those with disabilities.
Hannah Engle is a high school student about to enter college, where she will major in Psychology. Her goal and passion is to spread acceptance and help for people with disabilities. Hannah's older brother is diagnosed with autism.
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.