Alexandra Amoroso

Growing Up with an Autistic Brother Alexandra Amoroso

I had a childhood unlike most children. I grew up with a brother who was diagnosed with low functioning autism. My childhood and teenage years were very challenging and I often wondered if I would be my brothers next care taker, if I would be able to go to college, and how my future and his future would be. We were told that my brother was qualified for help and services and my parents fought for that help. It was beyond difficult and something no family with a special needs child should have to do. There is help out there for every autistic child but they prevent you from getting it. My mom made a risky and hard decision to get my brother the care he needs that my parents can no longer give him. It was getting to be to much for my parents and myself. No family should have to fight to get their child the services and care they need. I hope this book helps siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, or anyone who knows someone with autism. I want to share my own story of what my life was like growing up with a brother with autism. It was a life much different from most children but it was truly a blessing and I wouldn't change it for the world.