Hi, my name is Gabrielle and I have a brother, Mateo, with Autism. I’m
sure you have heard about him because my mom happens to be Lisa and she
along with her best friend, Myra started this website.
At first when he was diagnosed, I didn’t know what it was. I had never
heard of it before. As time went by, what I did hear about it was only
the negative comments. As I learned and continue to learn, I have
realized all the negative things people made it into were not what autism
is at all. Yes, being the sister of someone with autism is challenging at
times, but it also helps you realize the true potential children (and/or
adults) with autism have. They are so smart and loving, as I see with my
brother. He has changed so much since we started ABA three years ago. He
interacts with everyone and loves to be played with. The only thing he is
lacking is speech.
A few months ago, our family which consists of myself and my five
brothers, we started sign language. What a difference it has made! Mateo
can actually communicate his wants and needs and we understand what he is
asking. It’s really kind of fun because I have been able to teach it to
my friends and they are learning too. Mateo now says words with the signs
and as time goes by, the signs will fade and the words will increase.
All in all, Autism is not a bad thing at all. I am so very proud of my
brother. He just happens to learn a different way than the way everyone
else does. Is that so bad??
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