Hey everyone..
I'm finding it hard to find the right words to explain to my 4 1/2 yr son that he's younger brother (almost 3) has autism.
My youngest, is almost non-verbal, likes playing on he's own, and can lash out when things don't go he's way, and often takes it out on he's older brother.
I'm actually finding it hard to get my head around it myself, but have no idea how to address the subject with my oldest. He knows he's younger is different to him. He know he's younger brother has a lot of appointments to go to, but I know he's not sure why.
I guess what I'm asking is, how do explain it to him so he understands..
Did anyone else out there find better methods then others? Is there a book out there that might make sense to a 4yr old?
Please help! I have no idea what to do next!
Please help! I have no idea what to do next!
Posted in:
Aspergers & Autism
2 Replies
There are plenty of kids books out there that cover this topic, your local Autism Ass probably has some copies in a library.
I always describe it like some kids are really good at sports, some kids are terrible are sports etc my son is awesome at (puzzles etc) but terrible at x, z. The things he's good at and bad mean that he has autism. So he needs help in areas of x, y, z.
You don't have to come out with everything all at once. I think explain on an as needed basis. You don't even have to use the word autism. Explain that little brother's brain works a bit differently and because of this he communicates differently and finds some things harder. And he goes to a lot of appointments with people who can help him.
I'm sure there's resources on helping siblings understand this.