An Unexpected Gift: Growing Up With an Autistic Sibling

A heartfelt post from an 18-year-old is making waves online.

In his post, Nissan describes life with his seven-year-old brother, Koren, who is on the autism spectrum. "My little brother is a bit different," he starts. "His thought process is more imaginative than other kids', he's overflowing with emotions, and more creative than any child I have ever seen. But like most autistic individuals, Koren has one major issue that sometimes becomes my challenge: the constant stares. Sometimes they're filled with pity, which, honestly, I can't understand why. I couldn't be happier to have him. He's funny, smart, and full of spirit more than other kids."

He mentions how often he encounters parents who become upset when their children approach 'the autistic kid' at the playground, as if his brother is contagious. "The only thing your child might catch is joy," he exclaims.

There are also scrutinizing stares, waiting for that moment when Koren might act 'abnormal' to label him. "Koren is currently too young to grasp why people stare, and I'm tired of explaining to everyone the same thing. 'I'm his big brother; he didn't mean to take the swing from your child out of malice. He's simply unaware, he's autistic.' Sure, there are those who use it as a chance to teach their kids to accept and love the different, but sadly, they're rare."

"He's a superhero, and I don't plan on stopping his imagination"

Nissan continues to describe his brother's world as one of purity. "Yes, he lives in his own world, he drifts, imagines - but let's be honest, he's happier than most kids his age. I'm fed up with having to tether him down so that people don't wonder 'what's that kid doing?' He soars high, in a world of imaginations, spaceships, robots, monsters and who knows what else - he shares everything with me. Just yesterday, he saved me from a monster as big as a tiger and as round as a watermelon, and if it weren't for him, I'd have been a goner, because he's a superhero, and I'm not about to stop his imagination or his ability to fly."

Nissan ends his touching post with a simple request for anyone who goes to the park with their kids and might encounter a child who behaves a bit strangely - don't pity him or his caregiver. "True happiness is doing what you want without fearing what others think, but don't think for a moment he has no boundaries. Autism doesn't stop him from being educated, and he behaves splendidly: respects adults, helps seniors carry groceries up the stairs, smiles at the kiosk lady and says please and thank you. In short,

I am Nissan, 18.5 years old. A proud brother to Koren, a seven-year-old wonder who turned my life around, on the autism spectrum, and to all those with pitying looks - feel sorry for yourselves. I've already received my gift."