Standing up for Autistic Classmates

In highschool, and still today, I find myself extremely protective of my brother eventhough he is a sturdy 21 year old and soon to be highschool graduate. I encountered many instances where young, ignorant, highschool children would tease my brother and I while walking down the hall in school. I was apalled by the things that I heard, such as, "You and your brother ride the Veggie van". This particular student was refering to the handicapped bus I rode with my brother and a few other handicapped students we knew.

Sadly, even adults are falling prey to this type of negitive stereotyping and downright rude behavior. A few of my mother's coworkers remarked in a meeting (which consisted of numerous doctors and nurses alike. In fact, a doctor and a nurse made the follow remarks.) about the "retarded" people riding the "short bus" and again the "veggie van" term was used. My mother was angered, as I would have been as well, and she remarked out loud that her son rode the "short bus" "veggie van". Apologies were given, and people were embarassed by their own ignorance and unthoughtfulness.

In school's, I think the first step to being aware of autism is to read, read, read. There are many books available for small children to read, and comprehend. These books can be found at www.amazon.com and are as follows:

1. The Bully Blockers: Standing up for Classmates with Autism
2. Since We're Friends: An autism picture book By: Celeste Shally
3. My friend with Autism: A coloring book for peers and siblings By: Beverly Bishop
4. All About my Brother By: Sarah Peralta (This book was written by an 8 year old)
5. Andy and his Yellow Frisbee By: Mary Thompson

The Uncle and the Nephew

In my childhood I can never remember a time when I did not know that my brother was different, and special. My earliest memories are of teaching him the word "tree" in the kitchen of our mobile home. I would type it out on the typewriter and say the word, over and over, time and time again. I cannot tell you, reader, how much pride and love I felt for my autistic brother when he walked to the door, extended his finger outside and exclaimed, "Tree!". This is a feeling that 18 years later I still remember and can feel.

As a mother, I want my son to appreciate his Uncle Trevor for who he is, autism and all. We have discussed it here and there, and even when no explaining needed to be done, I could see by the way my son acted around him that he knew.

Still, I am veyr proud of my son, and my brother as well. They both know they are different and yet they have found a way to co-exist together. While my brother is on the computer (a serious youtuber)my son will stand directly next to him for hours and watch the computer with him. They will hardly speak to each other, and have very little physical contact, but they enjoy each other's company. This makes me very happy! :)