Yesterday we celebrated World Autism Day, a condition that affects one in every 100 children in Spain. To give visibility to Autism Spectrum Disorders and get to know first hand what is it like to have a brother with autism, Laura Teresa, a nine year old girl He has recorded a video that has gone viral on YouTube in which he explains how his life has changed.
"How lucky you are my brother!"
Laura tells us how they discovered that Álvaro, her little brother had autism:
"My brother was a typical and active child. He grew up healthy and happy. Until suddenly, with 18 months of his life, everything changed: he stopped responding to his name, lost eye contact and stopped imitating me and playing with me."
In Babies and more15 frequently asked questions about autismUnderstand Alvaro's autism through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl is exciting. She tells us the importance of every little everyday achievement, which although it may seem minimal, is a giant step for a child with autism.
It is moving to tell us how he communicates with his brother even if he cannot speak:
“There are many things that I can do and Álvaro cannot: for example, talk. But I know there is a way to communicate: gestures, pictograms or even his silence ”.
Also talks about difficulties and sometimes the rejection these children face:
“I realize that it hurts a lot when people who don't know my brother look at him weird. Therefore, I will always defend him, because I love him very much. He makes me laugh, sometimes it makes me angry, but it teaches me something else about life. Thanks to my brother, I learned to accept the difference, I learned how to put oneself in the place of the other, I learned that life is worth it despite the difficulties ”.
Acceptance, inclusion and understanding
Finish your message asking for “acceptance, inclusion and understanding. That is what it deserves. ” Of course, he and all children with some autism spectrum disorder.
Many times they are stigmatized as "rare" and it is in all of us to contribute to their integration into society since they are small, being more understanding and sensitive towards people with autism.
In Babies and more World Autism Day: make a gesture for people with autism and show your commitment
