A few years back, when we were in the midst of PT, OT, and such, and my younger son Z had to traipse to each appointment with us, one of the therapists said, "You know what? Z is probably the best thing to ever happen to L." I still well up when I think of her saying that because it's true; Z has been such a blessing.
The boys are only 22 months apart and at a time when L could have really spiraled into his own world unchallenged, constant interruption from a younger sibling forced L to confront so many of the issues and interactions (e.g. sharing, compromising, perspective-taking, and so on) he would have preferred to avoid. Now don't get me wrong. L is still challenged by all of those behaviors and concepts, it's just that with Z around he gets to practice coming to terms with them on a daily basis.
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First Meeting :) |
"And what about Z?", I always ask myself. As much as he has positively affected L's life, can we say that Z has been given as much in return? He's definitely been shaped by L. Z is patient, kind, understanding, and accepting from growing up with a brother with Asperger's. I hope that Z keeps those qualities intact as he grows and can appreciate that as much as L is more exceptional because of Z, Z is equally as exceptional because of L.
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"The sun is in my eyes!" Holding on for dear life to little bro.
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Check out the post below for more information about siblings and Asperger's: