In light of National Silbings Day…..
Corbin is an Autism Sibling Superhero!
He sticks up for his brother, the first time way back when he was in second grade and some “big kid” said that “autism kids were dumb”. Corbin said he wanted to karate chop him but he didn’t and he remembered to instead teach him about autism.
He makes his little brother work. Usually in a form that may look a bit like torture. Like when Brian wants the blanket that Corbin is sitting on and Brian says, “Get off me!” and Corbin refuses to move until Brian uses the right words to ask him. “I’m not on you Brian, say ‘Get off the blanket!'”.
He teaches his brother annoying things that little brothers should know. Like how to pick on his Mom.
He treats him just like any big brother would treat a little brother- hiding around corners to jump out and scare him, shoot him with Nerf guns, and gives him noogies. And then teaches Brian how to do them back to him.
He interprets for Brian. He innately knows what his brother wants most of the time and he always speaks up when he thinks someone is getting it wrong.
He is his brother’s biggest cheerleader. He doesn’t let his autism be the reason he can’t do something. He believes in him.
He spreads awareness. He wears his autism “flair” with pride. He organizes fundraisers at his middle school to raise money for local organizations. He helps me present our Autism Awareness presentations at the elementary school level.
He loves on his brother. They’re always giving each other hugs and kisses. Brian climbs into his big brother’s bed every single night, because he clearly feels safe and calm in his presence.
He saves his wish for Brian every time. Though he has lots of dreams about having lots of mansions and a billion dollars, he always wishes first that his brother didn’t have autism and could talk and could have his own family some day.
He is Brian’s superhero.