Autism Information -Siblings.

Was doing some research today.. just getting advice on how to explain Autism to Lauren. Or just to see how others may be explaining it to their children. This isn't the greatest site, but I thought this part fit with what I've been saying to Lauren (as nearly every day, she wants to tell me that her cousin is Autistic.. and that he's special).

"I explained to my oldest daughter that her brother's brain worked a little differently then most peoples and that it made many things that most of us can do without any trouble (like talking and asking for things he wants and playing with someone or making friends etc) very hard for him. I told her because he has to work harder to do things she can do easily, and because there are things she can do that he struggles to do it frustrates him and makes him scream and hurt himself becasue he doesnt know how to (or cant) express whats bothering him any other way (Just like how a dog will bark or Bite when they cant say hey Im mad leave me alone) I found the more simple I kept things the easier for her to understand what I was saying I told her to ask anytime she wanted to know something and that I would explain and if I dodnt know the answer we would find it. I told her I had to learn how to help him and that It would be a big help if she wanted to learn how to help him too. I knew one thing he needed was someone to help him make eye contact and suggested her making faces with him I also told her he needed to be taught how to play and talk with others she read him book which helped with her homework. Her 2 biggest questions,.... Is he going to die? and Can I get it?"

Yesterday, Lauren came running in from talking through the fence with the little neighbor girl. She was trying to tell her friend about Autism, but couldnt' remember how to say the word. So she came inside to ask me about it. I told her what she wanted to know, then she ran back outside. I over heard her say "My Cousin is Autistic. That means he's special. And I love him very, very much". Aww.. kids. :)