Author name: autismtoday_syxyao

This heartfelt story recounts the journey of a family with boy/girl twins born in November 1998, one of whom was diagnosed with autism three years later. Despite the initial shock, the family embraced the diagnosis and sought various therapies and support. When the mother purchased t-shirts to support an autism group, her daughter, Julianne, questioned the purpose of the shirts and what a cure for autism meant. Julianne’s response, expressing her love and acceptance of her brother just the way he is, brought tears to her mother’s eyes and highlighted the profound bond between the siblings. The mother realized that both her children were special in their own ways, and she couldn’t imagine changing her son with autism because it would alter the essence of who he is and who they love.

This touching anecdote shares a moment between a mother, her son Hunter who has a rare chromosome disorder, and her daughter Brooke. After explaining Hunter’s condition to Brooke, they encounter an older man with special needs at a salon. Brooke immediately recognizes the similarities in behavior between the man and her brother, expressing her understanding by saying, “He must be missing a chromosome too!” This moment highlights Brooke’s empathy and understanding, showing how children can have profound insights into the experiences of others, even at a young age.