I always knew that having a family member with a disability would make everyday life different, however, I never really knew the extent of these differences until seeing them firsthand in the videos provided in the lecture. Not only does having a sibling with a disability shape the family, but it also shapes you as a person. Day in and day out, parents have to ensure that the needs of their child are being met. Whether it be eating, or drinking, or going to the bathroom, there really is no break. Like Gio's mother mentioned, it is a 24/7 job. I always knew that having a child with a disability would have profound impacts on the parents, but I had not ever considered the effects they would have on the siblings.
I was able to draw a direct connection to this lecture by connecting it to one of my friends. He has twin older brothers, both of whom have autism. As we became better friends, he really opened up to me about how having siblings with autism has really effected his life. He felt that he had to mature at an earlier age. Sometimes he would not get the attention that he wanted, but then would feel bad about thinking such thoughts because he knew that his brothers needed the attention more. He also discussed the future and how he already has started saving up money because he knows that someday it will be his responsiblity to care for them.
He then discussed the wonderful relationship he has with them. The type of friendship and love he describes truly is something special. They are his best friends and he does everything in his power to protect them, love them, and show them how much he cares about them. He is a person that sees people for themselves, and does not judge anyone. He is about as genuine as they come, a quality that is derived from the experiences he has had; a quality that I truly admire.
I was able to draw a direct connection to this lecture by connecting it to one of my friends. He has twin older brothers, both of whom have autism. As we became better friends, he really opened up to me about how having siblings with autism has really effected his life. He felt that he had to mature at an earlier age. Sometimes he would not get the attention that he wanted, but then would feel bad about thinking such thoughts because he knew that his brothers needed the attention more. He also discussed the future and how he already has started saving up money because he knows that someday it will be his responsiblity to care for them.
He then discussed the wonderful relationship he has with them. The type of friendship and love he describes truly is something special. They are his best friends and he does everything in his power to protect them, love them, and show them how much he cares about them. He is a person that sees people for themselves, and does not judge anyone. He is about as genuine as they come, a quality that is derived from the experiences he has had; a quality that I truly admire.