So today I walked into my mom's room to check up on what my brother Brandon was up to. He was playing on the Nintendo DS, nothing unusual. I sat down beside him to watch him play Monkey Ball, his favorite game of all time. And he's good at the game too, like really good. I've watched him play every now and then, and it still amazes me how well he can play that game.
If you check up on Autism in Wikipedia, it'll tell you that
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.
And it's true. My brother is 12 years old but virtually lacks all social skills. Although he can speak and understand certain words and phrases, he isn't verbal and cannot hold a conversation with someone. He is pretty hyperactive and has an OCD of making sure certain things (such as shoes) are properly and neatly put together.
Since he was younger, my mom would do her best to find help for him. It wasn't always easy to come by though, and the government wasn't helping us out all that much either. But now that autism is becoming so prevalent in the US (roughly 1 in every 100 born I think), it seems like people are becoming more aware of how important it is that we set up programs to help.
Autism has a lot of setbacks, but for the most part they aren't really aware that they are suffering any setback at all. In fact, Brandon is pretty much always in a happy mood. It's really refreshing in a way.
What amazes me about autism is the skill they can have in certain things. If you've seen Rain Man, you saw a case of an autistic person being very good and efficient with numbers. Others learn to piece computers together by age 6. Some can memorize countless facts, perfectly. My brother is great at Monkey Ball.
Many individuals with ASD show superior skills in perception and attention, relative to the general population.
This isn't to say that it's all fun and games though. Taking care of an autistic child is difficult work. They can get upset and won't be able to tell you why. They have lots of energy and strength because they don't hold back. It's been a real challenge, but Brandon has taught me so many things. Patience, humility, responsibility, understanding, compassion, and what it really means to love someone without being able to have it sent back to you. I'm proud to have him as a brother.
Awesome post, my brother actually has mild aspbergers disease which is a similar social disorder althought I believe autism is much more sever. GJ to you for being a great brother. Maybe you should get him on starcraft 2? Who knows, maybe he'd be a prodigy!
On May 01 2010 08:29 Kenpachi wrote: so he has no social skills?? does he use the internet to communicate?
He knows a select few phrases that help him communicate what he wants and things like that, but he can't carry conversation with someone. I don't really know if he would want to anyway haha. He was also recently taught how to identify himself and what number to call, in the case that he may get lost or something. Someone would have to approach him and ask though, because he wouldn't be able to do it himself.
monkey ball is great. I wasted so many hours playing the original on gamecube, unlocking & beating the master stages.
also, my cousin has aspergers symdrome which is similar to autism but I guess it's more minor. He gets special help from people at his school and he's learning to function normally in society (and he's pretty hilarious too, he likes to tell jokes)
On May 01 2010 08:45 Tynuji wrote: Actually, very little austistic children excel in those memory or genius like things, the rest are socially imparied and lack communication skills.
A lot of people watch rain man and think that most autistic people gain an incredible ability when in actuality, most are just socially handicapped.
Yeah this is true. I wasn't implying that they're all prodigies, but I do believe they all have the potential to be great at something. It might be hard to find though. T:
Yes, I think that is what it's called. It's pretty amazing!
What is your preferred definition of autistic? Because I have been diagnosed as autistic several times and diagnosed as not autistic several times and so I find it sad that many doctors are not putting in the work into differentiating between the very obviously different symptom sets between, say, your brother and I. So I wonder how people in families like this feel about that.
Great blog and nice read. You're an amazing older brother, much more understanding than me I'm sure haha. I just saw him play Monkey Ball and that is some amazing skills. Believe me, I've tried.
Yes, I think that is what it's called. It's pretty amazing!
What is your preferred definition of autistic? Because I have been diagnosed as autistic several times and diagnosed as not autistic several times and so I find it sad that many doctors are not putting in the work into differentiating between the very obviously different symptom sets between, say, your brother and I. So I wonder how people in families like this feel about that.
who gives a shit, ur clearly not autistic, why start arguing definitions when all he's doin is tellin s story?
that's tight bro, I had no idea, how old is ur brother? my sisters autistic too and she just turned 12
she's awesome, like pretty much the greatest thing that's happened to me, I love er
EDIT : oh also she has disgusting good memory. we buy her computer versions of ispy which is like 50 books in one game, and she'll memorize the whole thing after one go, its fuckin sick
Yes, I think that is what it's called. It's pretty amazing!
What is your preferred definition of autistic? Because I have been diagnosed as autistic several times and diagnosed as not autistic several times and so I find it sad that many doctors are not putting in the work into differentiating between the very obviously different symptom sets between, say, your brother and I. So I wonder how people in families like this feel about that.
who gives a shit, ur clearly not autistic, why start arguing definitions when all he's doin is tellin s story?
that's tight bro, I had no idea, how old is ur brother? my sisters autistic too and she just turned 12
she's awesome, like pretty much the greatest thing that's happened to me, I love er
EDIT : oh also she has disgusting good memory. we buy her computer versions of ispy which is like 50 books in one game, and she'll memorize the whole thing after one go, its fuckin sick
Yes, I think that is what it's called. It's pretty amazing!
What is your preferred definition of autistic? Because I have been diagnosed as autistic several times and diagnosed as not autistic several times and so I find it sad that many doctors are not putting in the work into differentiating between the very obviously different symptom sets between, say, your brother and I. So I wonder how people in families like this feel about that.
who gives a shit, ur clearly not autistic, why start arguing definitions when all he's doin is tellin s story?
that's tight bro, I had no idea, how old is ur brother? my sisters autistic too and she just turned 12
she's awesome, like pretty much the greatest thing that's happened to me, I love er
EDIT : oh also she has disgusting good memory. we buy her computer versions of ispy which is like 50 books in one game, and she'll memorize the whole thing after one go, its fuckin sick
I'm not arguing definitions I'm just curious and care what people think. A lot of times I also think I am clearly not autistic but other times I kinda forget how to talk some how or its like my brain doesn't connect something to something I dunno how to describe it really kind of irrelevant if anyone wants to not discuss it here that's fine.
All year she anticipates the school yearbook and when it comes out she like memorizes the shit out of it. Also she'll find any picture of somebody in the whole book. One time she comes up to me and shows me a picture where you can see like a third of my forehead and my ear. Its pretty neat and I can really appreciate where you're coming from here.
Edit: My sister's not too bad though. She can't talk too amazingly and was never taught in school (so like no significant math or reading) but she can talk decently enough to understand and can definitely learn whatever's taught to her.
Yes, I think that is what it's called. It's pretty amazing!
What is your preferred definition of autistic? Because I have been diagnosed as autistic several times and diagnosed as not autistic several times and so I find it sad that many doctors are not putting in the work into differentiating between the very obviously different symptom sets between, say, your brother and I. So I wonder how people in families like this feel about that.
who gives a shit, ur clearly not autistic, why start arguing definitions when all he's doin is tellin s story?
that's tight bro, I had no idea, how old is ur brother? my sisters autistic too and she just turned 12
she's awesome, like pretty much the greatest thing that's happened to me, I love er
EDIT : oh also she has disgusting good memory. we buy her computer versions of ispy which is like 50 books in one game, and she'll memorize the whole thing after one go, its fuckin sick
I'm not arguing definitions I'm just curious and care what people think. A lot of times I also think I am clearly not autistic but other times I kinda forget how to talk some how or its like my brain doesn't connect something to something I dunno how to describe it really kind of irrelevant if anyone wants to not discuss it here that's fine.
You might have Aspergers Syndrome. I don't mind you discussing it here, there's no offense I see. I hope you find what you're looking for.
And thanks to everyone for the kind words! ^^ I really find it amazing to know that some of you guys out there have autistic siblings as well. Thank you for sharing their stories.
I used to work with a guy my age with arberger syndrome (ye I know i'ts not really the same league). He had a very hard time expressing himself in every day situations, but I found out that he started to talk alot when I took him bowling, or played strategy games.
His parents really loved that we found something he really enjoyed! Was the best extra job I ever had, not only because I was payed to basically bowl and play video games, but the feeling of helping this guy enjoying his life.
Yes, I think that is what it's called. It's pretty amazing!
What is your preferred definition of autistic? Because I have been diagnosed as autistic several times and diagnosed as not autistic several times and so I find it sad that many doctors are not putting in the work into differentiating between the very obviously different symptom sets between, say, your brother and I. So I wonder how people in families like this feel about that.
who gives a shit, ur clearly not autistic, why start arguing definitions when all he's doin is tellin s story?
that's tight bro, I had no idea, how old is ur brother? my sisters autistic too and she just turned 12
she's awesome, like pretty much the greatest thing that's happened to me, I love er
EDIT : oh also she has disgusting good memory. we buy her computer versions of ispy which is like 50 books in one game, and she'll memorize the whole thing after one go, its fuckin sick
I'm not arguing definitions I'm just curious and care what people think. A lot of times I also think I am clearly not autistic but other times I kinda forget how to talk some how or its like my brain doesn't connect something to something I dunno how to describe it really kind of irrelevant if anyone wants to not discuss it here that's fine.
autism or aspergers dont only manifest in the brain though. there was another guy on TL who did a blog and was like "OH so it turns out i have autism, that's why i have such a hard time talking to people lolol phew" but it's not like that
autism manifests physically CRAZY early and it delays everything. you KNOW something is wrong. you roll slower, you stand slower, you walk slower and you talk slower. it's all delayed, you know from the very beginning that something is clearly not right.
you might wanna see a doc though if you're forgetting how to talk @_@
Yes, I think that is what it's called. It's pretty amazing!
What is your preferred definition of autistic? Because I have been diagnosed as autistic several times and diagnosed as not autistic several times and so I find it sad that many doctors are not putting in the work into differentiating between the very obviously different symptom sets between, say, your brother and I. So I wonder how people in families like this feel about that.
who gives a shit, ur clearly not autistic, why start arguing definitions when all he's doin is tellin s story?
that's tight bro, I had no idea, how old is ur brother? my sisters autistic too and she just turned 12
she's awesome, like pretty much the greatest thing that's happened to me, I love er
EDIT : oh also she has disgusting good memory. we buy her computer versions of ispy which is like 50 books in one game, and she'll memorize the whole thing after one go, its fuckin sick
I'm not arguing definitions I'm just curious and care what people think. A lot of times I also think I am clearly not autistic but other times I kinda forget how to talk some how or its like my brain doesn't connect something to something I dunno how to describe it really kind of irrelevant if anyone wants to not discuss it here that's fine.
autism or aspergers dont only manifest in the brain though. there was another guy on TL who did a blog and was like "OH so it turns out i have autism, that's why i have such a hard time talking to people lolol phew" but it's not like that
autism manifests physically CRAZY early and it delays everything. you KNOW something is wrong. you roll slower, you stand slower, you walk slower and you talk slower. it's all delayed, you know from the very beginning that something is clearly not right.
you might wanna see a doc though if you're forgetting how to talk @_@
It usually starts taking effect at about age 3, if that helps too.
Yes, I think that is what it's called. It's pretty amazing!
What is your preferred definition of autistic? Because I have been diagnosed as autistic several times and diagnosed as not autistic several times and so I find it sad that many doctors are not putting in the work into differentiating between the very obviously different symptom sets between, say, your brother and I. So I wonder how people in families like this feel about that.
who gives a shit, ur clearly not autistic, why start arguing definitions when all he's doin is tellin s story?
that's tight bro, I had no idea, how old is ur brother? my sisters autistic too and she just turned 12
she's awesome, like pretty much the greatest thing that's happened to me, I love er
EDIT : oh also she has disgusting good memory. we buy her computer versions of ispy which is like 50 books in one game, and she'll memorize the whole thing after one go, its fuckin sick
I'm not arguing definitions I'm just curious and care what people think. A lot of times I also think I am clearly not autistic but other times I kinda forget how to talk some how or its like my brain doesn't connect something to something I dunno how to describe it really kind of irrelevant if anyone wants to not discuss it here that's fine.
autism or aspergers dont only manifest in the brain though. there was another guy on TL who did a blog and was like "OH so it turns out i have autism, that's why i have such a hard time talking to people lolol phew" but it's not like that
autism manifests physically CRAZY early and it delays everything. you KNOW something is wrong. you roll slower, you stand slower, you walk slower and you talk slower. it's all delayed, you know from the very beginning that something is clearly not right.
you might wanna see a doc though if you're forgetting how to talk @_@
Im really happy for the fact that you love and support your brother, im also autistic and having people there for you really helps. I also have problems with my social skills as i basically avoid people at all times. The only times i leave the house are when going to school, im way too lazy to even go the store that are only like a 4 minute walk away from the house.
My girlfriend's little brother is also austitic, though to a less severe degree than your brother. He can hold conversations, but he's definitely not well developed in his social skills. He used to be very, very OCD and perfectionist about video games, and still is, but to a lesser degree. I remember back when Soul Caliber 2 came out for consoles he would play campaign mode and try and be perfect. If he lost one match, he would reset the game, wipe the save from the memory card, and then start all over. We've helped him have a bit more patience since then, though
yea my girlfriend has an autistic cousin who's amazing at shooting basketballs, he sank like 26 3-pointers in a row a few days ago, he is very limitied in some stuff but he's got down the repetitive motion so much its incredible
On May 02 2010 01:23 ownageskynet wrote: yea my girlfriend has an autistic cousin who's amazing at shooting basketballs, he sank like 26 3-pointers in a row a few days ago, he is very limitied in some stuff but he's got down the repetitive motion so much its incredible
Wow that sounds pretty amazing. I'm pretty sure I would miss within the first 2. t.t
There was a movie a while back about how an autistic child cracked the U.S. Gov't mainframe computer or something. Obviously an exaggeration, but it does show how autistic individuals can be super pro in one thing, but seem to completely lack other more "simple" things.
It was a great read. You're and awesome brother, IndecisivePenguin!
i remember we had an autist in my junior high school he was ridiculously good at math, could just ask him to multiply some 3digit x 3digit number and he'd have the answer in 5 seconds but his memory was truly mindblowing.. he had completely memorized like 5 years of donald duck. someone tested him once - brought a random donald magazine, asked him "what does scrooge say in the second drawing on page 17 of donald duck number 39 from 1995" (I don't remember exactly what magazine it actually was), and he recited it flawlessly..
sucks that he couldn't understand even the simplest metaphores and had serious problems having any conversations. I actually met him like three weeks ago though, for the first time in 10 years, and it seemed like he was aware of him not understanding stuff in the same way "ordinary" people do. when I phrased myself in a not-completely-specific way, he just said "i am sorry, but I don't understand what you mean right now" and then I just had to specify!
Thank you for sharing. It's refreshing to see autism painted in a more positive light - I feel like too often we paint this depressing, hopeless image of it casting a purely negative image.. it's wonderful to hear that you love your brother for who he is. <3
That's because the full term is known as Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Some of them have awesome skills like RainMan, others are capable of living in society somewhat normally, albeit socially impaired, whereas some, like my sister, are incapable of taking care of themselves at all. It is a range you see, and RainMan is get you get on TV.
It's an interview a child with aspergers had with his mother. I think it's really interesting, and the video is very well done. It's not as intense a condition as the autism my brother has, as you'll find out, but it still shows a hint as to how these children can behave and think differently than others may.
Thats really a touching post. My cousin is Autistic also and it can be really hard on my Aunt. I help out when ever I am in town and it really is amazing how he interacts with people. He can sometimes talk to people but most of the time he just ignores them or runs away. He also gets into random fits where there isn't much she can do. His passion is Pac man and he is truly amazing at it. It really is something to see autistic people doing things like that. I wish you good luck with your brother. He sounds like a great kid and you sound like a great brother
EPT
I'm just curious and care what people think. A lot of times I also think I am clearly not autistic but other times I kinda forget how to talk some how or its like my brain doesn't connect something to something I dunno how to describe it really kind of irrelevant if anyone wants to not discuss it here that's fine.![[image loading]](http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae306/mOnion7486/rsDSCF2936.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae306/mOnion7486/rsDSCF2861.jpg)
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