Autism Acceptance Sibling Style

I can't imagine what it feels like for my oldest and youngest children to have a sister with autism. I know it's frustrating and embarrassing because those are the emotions they speak of the most. There are typical sibling arguments but most are one sided. There isn't much play time or interacting with Emily, because she prefers to be by herself. There are attempts made by all three but unless it's a facilitated effort on my part, Emily refuses to participate in any family activities. She's just along for the ride many times or makes her presence known by the occasional two or three word sentence. "Hey, Anna Grace" or "Hey Son". 

We don't leave Emily out. Anna Grace and Luke have both accepted that Emily is coming and more than likely will annoy them with the constant questions she asks me. There's also the acceptance that she will embarrass them at some point by her actions and reactions. There's also acceptance that we may have to leave in the middle of an outing if Emily becomes unmanageable. These are some of the things they know can happen having a sister with autism. They accept that but it doesn't make it any easier or fair for them many times. 

While there are often complaints that Emily is annoying or embarrassing, I think that's typical in any family. For sure more pronounced in ours but they handle it well. Regardless of how much having a sister with autism gets on their nerves there are moments that touch my heart. Moments where they are telling their friends about Emily and autism. Moments where they tell her she is doing a good job. The offer of a hand to hold when she's scared. The acceptance that she is different but they will always stand behind her. 

Thanks for reading~

Jessica