Autism Awareness: About my Brother

This entry is part of Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact with other people. Autism Awareness Month is a nationwide effort created by The Autism Society that helps promote autism awareness.

Did you know April is Autism Awareness Month? My older brother, Teddy, has autism.

Teddy has had a great influence on who I have shaped up to be in my life. When he was a toddler, my parents noticed that Teddy seemed a little different from the other kids his age. When he was six years old, we took him to a doctor who told us he had a developmental disability called autism. 

Growing up with my older brother taught me how to deal with somebody with disabilities and taught me about commitment. He has a certain innocence and charisma to his personality that I admire. Despite his disability, he still shows signs of maturity and intelligence. He shows compassion by bringing his lively personality, sense of humor and helpful nature to everyone he meets. Whenever I visit him now, he has a smile on his face which brightens my day.
Do you know anyone with autism?