A heartwarming thank you to Rebecca, a 34 year old mother of four: Alex (8), Jackson (7), Ava (6), and Isabel (4), from Tennessee. She allowed her son Alex to take part in our SNS interview and share parts of his heart with us! We honor you, Alex! SNS
SNS: What is your favorite memory?
Alex: “When Jack and I rode roller coaster together at Dollywood and we screamed and laughed and had a great time!”
SNS: Are there any activities you like because of your sibling(s)?
Alex: “I love making Jack laugh! He thinks it’s funny when I act out different movies and we play together. He makes me want to be a better actor, so I’m always trying to find new costumes and things to make him laugh and happy.”
SNS: Has your sibling ever influenced the type of friends you associate with?
Alex: “Some of my friends I don’t talk to anymore, because they made fun of Jack when he left school. It wasn’t Jack’s fault but they won’t listen and they wouldn’t leave him alone, so I don’t hang out with them now.”
SNS: Does your relationship with your sibling(s) make you strive to better yourself in any aspect of your life?
Alex: “Jack makes me want to be kind. He makes me want to help other people and he shows me how to be strong. I like that Jack thinks I’m funny and that I can help cheer him up whenever he’s upset or angry.”
SNS: Do you think your positive relationship with your sibling(s) has helped you gain important characteristics such as confidence and compassion?
Alex: “Jack showed me that I have to stand up for people. If I see someone getting picked on or made fun of, I have to step in and tell the other guy ‘hey, knock it off!’ And if they don’t, I have to find a teacher and get them to stop. It’s not funny to pick on people and I don’t like it when kids pick on people who can’t talk.”
SNS: What are two things you wish everyone could know about people with a disability?
Alex: “I wish people knew that Jack can’t help it sometimes. When he gets upset, he’s trying not to be, but he doesn’t know how to say what he wants to, and that makes him mad. I wish people wouldn’t make fun of Jack. It hurts my feelings, because Jack just wants to be friends with people. He’s my best brother and my best friend. And I have to help him because I’m his big brother and I love him.”
SNS: What in your view should people not say to siblings of people with a disability?
Alex: “Don’t make fun of people with autism. It isn’t funny. They aren’t making fun of you!”