I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about our other boys for a moment. Son #2 was born before Taz's Autism developed (before the big relocation for hubby's job). It saddens me a bit to think back to that time....Taz was so excited about having a new baby brother!
He was such a great big brother -- even though he was not quite 2 years old at the time. He used to give his little brother hugs & kisses, and was constantly by his side. He loved to be a helper, and aside from a few little things and a Vaseline crop circle incident (I'll tell you about that later).....he was an amazing big brother. I have a photo that hangs on our fridge.....it's of Taz snuggled up next to his baby brother while they both napped.....Taz's arm is wrapped lovingly around his little brother.....I love that photo! Sigh.....
Anyhow.....I've received many compliments over the years in regards to how our other children respond to Taz and/or how well they behave during IEP meetings, etc. At times it's difficult to refrain from giving the person a "well duh!" look or sarcastic response. Why can't people understand? This has been their life -- the other boys never saw how their brother was before the Autism developed (aside from son #2 who was too young at the time to remember what things were like prior to the Autism), thus this is all they know.....he is their big brother.
They accept him, they love him, and they understand what Autism is. The boys are so supportive and protective of their big brother......and for that, I am extremely thankful. I know this hasn't been easy for them.....they have had to deal with a lot at such young ages. Although things have been difficult at times, this journey (Autism) has helped them to be more sensitive towards others, more patient, and more accepting. I can't take credit for the way they are.....the credit goes to their big brother.
A few years ago, Son #2 was teased and bullied for befriending an AI student.....a little girl whom some of the bullies picked on. Son #2 took her under his wing, became her best friend and protector....and as a result, the bullies turned their attention towards him. But he stood his ground....and he protected his special friend. I remember asking him back then why he did what he did, and he said: "Mom, they were being so mean to her and it made her cry. I thought about how kids treat Taz and the way they tease him and make fun of him....it made me sad, and it made me angry. Why can't kids see people like her and Taz for who they are, and not for the Autism?" Oh what a great kid......I'm so proud of him, and he is wise beyond his years.
This year at the parent/teacher conferences both son #3 and son #4's teachers told me how amazed they were at the way the boys respond to the AI students in their classroom and school building. Both of them have assisted in helping AI students......whether it's been by volunteering to be their partner for some classroom project or by helping during a meltdown. They are the first to befriend these special students, sit by them at lunchtime, play with them at recess, etc. Of course I reminded both teachers -- yes of course they do things like that, their big brother is Autistic....they understand -- unlike some people, they actually get it. At that point the teachers both had a "light bulb moment" and said "oh yeah, that's right"......duh!
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