Dear Siblings to Autism,

I would like to start off this letter to you by saying you’ve done an amazing job, whether you would like to believe it or not. Sometimes it becomes challenging to see how much of an impact you’ve had in the life of your special needs brother or sister. But really, you’ve helped a lot.

We all have been in the position of receiving stares at the grocery store, the playground, and sometimes from your friends that don't understand why your lifestyle is the way it is. But for those who can relate, like myself, your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. So here I am writing this letter, to you, to thank you for all that you’ve done. Because it's the little things that have the most impact on your sibling.

Thank you for the countless ice cream cones you’ve given away to your sibling because they changed their mind once they saw yours.

Thank you for missing your favorite TV show because your sibling wanted to watch something else, probably on repeat. But let's face it, the laugh that comes from them seeing their favorite scene of their favorite show for the 28th time is still just as great as the first time.

Thank you for the times you understood your sibling’s logic and played games with them, even if they’re tedious. You’re their biggest outlet for social interactions. Gaining their trust and sense of security is extremely important, even over their own version of, Connect Four, that you fought to understand. But going with the flow made them feel happy.

Thank you for the rides you didn't get to go on at Disney World, because your sibling couldn't wait in line any longer.

Thank you for the patience you’ve given to your sibling during their tantrum at the grocery store. We’ve all been there at some point. For my family, the snack aisle was, "no more than a 15 second adventure," to grab my brother’s favorite Gushers.

Thank you for not being embarrassed about your sibling when they are introduced to your peers; especially when their only interest was talking momentarily with their head down about Magic cards and new Starburst flavors.

Thank you for acting as a support system to your parents. You make them prouder than you know, and they couldn't be more thankful for your presence in your siblings life. You are a huge impact on them and their development!

Thank you for taking on the responsibility of knowing you may need to care for your sibling as they approach adulthood. Guardianship is a complex thing.

Thank you for always sticking up for your brother or sister. They too like to know that you’re there for them.

Thank you for growing up before you were really supposed to.

Thank you for remembering that Autism is not a label. Put simply, it is a term to describe a different way of seeing the world, and that should be celebrated every day.

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Keep up the great work. You are wonderful. Thank your brother or sister for the unique memories they have given you. For the smiles and laughs you’ve shared after that tantrum at the park, the 15 second snack aisle adventures, and the endless game rules they’ve taught you. But most importantly, thank them for shaping you into the person you are. Your unique experience, as a sibling to Autism, is one not all are blessed to have. So embrace it at the fullest.

And finally…

Thank you for loving your sibling unconditionally. And remembering that they are different, and not less.

Love always,

A fellow sibling to Autism.