IF I HAD A CHANCE TO ERASE AUTISM FROM MY LIFE, WOULD I?

 

My family’s life changed when we received a diagnosis for my brother’s absurd behaviour. I can’t remember things from my childhood, but I remember Tobi to an extent. 

He had to go to regular schools and would not stay in class; his therapy sessions had meltdowns that were too difficult to handle.

Recently, I asked myself,” If I had a chance to erase Autism from my life, would I do it?” instead, if I could choose to have a neurotypical brother, would I?

I don’t know. I say this with all honesty. 

I think about it- would I have had a great relationship with Tobi if he wasn’t autistic? Oh God, I don’t know. I know he would be a very annoying boy like every other younger brother is. 

A part of me wouldn’t want to erase it despite the challenges.

You see, I’m going to go spiritual. God brings everyone to this world for a reason. See. Let me blow your mind. God actually brings someone to this world to address a particular issue and when he creates a person, he already has everything planned- whom you’re going to help, what you’re going to do for him, the world…

I believe every person in this world has a plan, and God knew what he was doing.

Who am I to stop a mighty man’s plan?

The same God who gave us this boy would provide us with the grace and the ability to raise him. 

Someone once told me, “Maybe God created Tobi so that you could do all you can for awareness and neurotypical siblings.” 

I don’t know about that, but I know God is intentional.

With Tobi’s situation, I have developed some things- for example, celebrating small wins and treating them as significant- the act of patience- I say this because patience is needed just as love to deal with special needs children. I recognize that people are different, and I need to speak and treat them with respect and love. 

God knows what he is doing, which makes me think about what you are going through- God allows battles (that we can handle) to teach us a particular thing or develop a specific mindset or skill. 

See. God doesn’t joke. 

Besides, I feel if my brother wasn’t autistic, I would want to have a basic knowledge about Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We live in a diverse world; people have different mental capacities and strengths. I would want to know a lot about things to make people comfortable. How else can you make someone comfortable than to accept them?

Acceptance goes a long way. 

I’m glad about my story. I would change certain things about Tobi, but I’m pleased about God’s intentional creation process. 

Remember that my hangout is in December, and I hope to talk so much about my experience with my brother. Even better, we have some other neurotypical siblings who would also share their experiences. 

But the most crucial part is that we all learn; that's why it's open to everyone.