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He aint heavy, he's my brother: having a brother with autism

   I told you all this post would come over spring break. The reason it's just getting posted now is because Jude was busy playing with Alden! I am so happy to report that these two, who already have an amazing bond and such a sweet special love are growing even closer as Alden is welcoming Jude more and more into his world. With that being said, I have also put off posting because although Jude wrote this post I am typing it up for him, and it's been even more emotional than I was prepared for. Jude is the BEST big brother and is continually amazes me with his strength and grace. However there are struggles with being the sibling of a child with autism and this has been the first time he has really expressed them.  So please enjoy the beautiful, sad and raw honestly of this sweet boy and his experience being the sibling of an autistic child.

                                                    pictured above: guest blogger Jude VanEtten getting a smooch from Rapunzel

    Hi! My name is Jude VanEtten. I am 8 years old and I love my family. My mom and dad and little brother all live in our house with our dog Bella. I have a little brother named Alden VanEtten and he has autism. That means God made him different than me but we are both special in our own way. Alden cant talk much. My very least favorite part of his autism is sometimes I can't understand him. Mommy and daddy can't either sometimes and that just breaks my heart! I sometimes worry how he feels when I'm not with him. He doesn't make friends like I do. I think I'm his best friend and that makes me happy. My favorite part of my brother is snuggling! He gives me more hugs and kisses now then before. He even plays with me more now. I remember going to his school so he could learn to play tag with me. I am so happy he likes to play with me more now. A lot of the time I have to play what Alden wants because he doesn't understand how to play what I want all the time. That is ok but sometimes I get frustrated so I just play on the kindle. I really like to swing with Alden and play outside. We like to go high but sometimes he even goes higher than me and that makes me a little nervous. I like to help my brother and be mommy's helper. Sometimes I help Alden with his iPad or help him get dressed or help him get a drink or something. I think when we get older Alden will live with me and my wife and kids. I think he will be a veggietale person for a job because those are his favorite and I'm gonna be a police officer. If you have a brother with autism I think you will like it. Sometimes I get sad or nervous for him but I mostly love it and you will too.

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 12, 2017 at 7:16 AM

    Awww,This is so sweet! You're a great brother Jude! You should be very proud of yourself! Love you all! 💗💛💜💚💖

    ReplyDelete

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