• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Join Me On

Love Always, Joann

Stay Connected!

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Disney
    • Recipes
    • Disney Planning
    • Disney Vacation 2019
  • My Story
  • Special Needs Parenting
    • Autism
  • Blog
    • Health & Beauty
    • Sponsored Posts
    • Product recommendations
    • Cooking & Baking
    • Travel
  • Etsy Shop
  • Privacy Policy

on April 2, 2020 ·

World Autism Day – Autism Sibling Relationships

Michael & Alex 3 weeks old

“Do you want to brighten up a party?”  That’s one of my favorite lines from my son, Alex. That’s Alex’s way of asking if we want to play with him.  When he first said that to us, we didn’t know what he was asking.  Today, I use the same line when I want to spend special time with him.  “Alex, do you want to brighten up a party?”  Today, in honor of World Autism Day, I want to talk about Michael’s twin brother, Alex.  As a sibling of autism, Alex, as young as he is, has been my constant rock and I couldn’t love him anymore if I tried. 

Before I go any further, I want to talk a little bit about World Autism Day and what it means to my family and me.  Last year, I was so honored to be collaborating with my friend and fellow autism mom, Jessica Holley.  This year, I’m happy to share that we are collaborating again in the hopes of bringing more autism awareness to the world.  Please go say hello to Jessica and tell her I sent you. You can find her YouTube channel Blessed Jess here. One of the best things about my blog and social media is that it gives me a voice for my son and other children with disabilities. 

There are many challenges special needs families must face.  For siblings living with a brother or sister on the spectrum, the relationship is very different than neurotypical siblings.  For many, social skills are affected.  A feeling of being neglected or not given as much attention to can also be experienced.  My husband and I do our best to fulfill Alex’s needs as well as Michael’s.  It’s a real balancing act and sometimes we fall short.  As a mom, I sometimes feel like I am sacrificing one child for the other; however, I know this is normal and I’m not alone in feeling this way. 

Prior to Michael being diagnosed, Alex and Michael played very well together.  They had normal interactions and got along very well.  They often laughed at each other and it was so beautiful to watch.  One of my favorite videos is of Michael and Alex playing together, crawling in and out of a pop-up tunnel.  It was so important to me, to have them love each other and get along.  Having a sister, who I consider my best friend, I had hoped they would be able to have a relationship that was similar.  As the months went by and I started to notice more differences between the boys, I knew that hope was fading.  At least at the time, that’s how I felt. 

Michael was diagnosed in February 2014.  The boys were 21 months old.  From that moment on, we began to try explaining in age appropriate ways about Michael’s autism.  I doubt that Alex was really understanding it back then but, as we continued to keep Alex informed of what was happening with Michael, Alex was starting to notice the differences himself.  Early in Michael’s diagnosis, tantrums were happening on a daily basis, often several times during the day.  It was overwhelming for all of us, but I could see how it was affecting Alex.  As Alex was starting to communicate and Michael was losing his words, I would have to explain in simple terms why Michael was crying.  I would often tell Alex, ‘Michael is tired’, ‘he didn’t sleep well’ or ‘he isn’t feeling well.’  This changed, of course, as time went by and he was able to understand that Michael was not able to use his words to tell me what was wrong. 

As I watched Alex hit all his milestones and begin to form sentences, I experienced mixed feelings.  I was thrilled that Alex was starting to talk, but I was heartbroken that I may never hear a word from Michael.  In the beginning of his autism journey, so many professionals told us, that many of their former students would suddenly begin to talk at age 5, 6 and 7.  I held on to that hope with every birthday that passed.  Michael currently has some words, but he is nowhere near a full sentence.  

I bawled my eyes out the entire way home

I started to send Alex to a daycare/preschool because my husband and I wanted him to not only start his academics early, but also establish a way of learning social skills and having friends.  The first day we dropped Alex off was so emotional for me (like so many moms 😊).  Alex cried as we left, and I bawled my eyes out the entire way home.  Was I making the right decision, and would Alex think I abandoned him?  Looking back now, I know wholeheartedly that it was the best decision my husband and I made.  Not only did it give him a great foundation for education, but it also gave him socializing opportunities and the opportunity to make lifelong friends.  I was so lucky to have found a place we could afford and a place where the teachers were solid gold.  Alex learned so much, but I learned along with him. 

Michael’s first day of school

As Alex has grown into a beautiful little boy, he has acquired quite the personality.  He is a dreamer, entertainer and comedian.  I think he takes after me!  Lol!!  I do, however, see a lot of his dad as well.  He is stubborn, a great thinker, and athletic.  He loves his YouTube videos, Xbox and is a huge Pokémon fan. 

In the past few months, Alex has taken a great interest in teaching Michael, along with Michael’s therapist.  He will often make his own worksheets for them to use during their sessions.  He will make a name worksheet so Michael can practice writing his name.  He makes math worksheets too.  He is very aware of what Michael is capable of and what he tries to teach him.  He will make a point of giving Michael his sensory breaks when needed.  I love to watch them interact.  It’s not the same as it was when they were babies, but that’s okay.  I know now it doesn’t have to be.  What it is today is just as beautiful. 

Alex’s preschool graduation

Alex really cares about Michael and if he gets to have a playdate with his friends, he tells us that we need to have Michael’s friends over too.  He wants everything to be fair.  If he goes to the store and he buys a toy, candy or lollipop, he always brings something back for Michael.  He loves his brother and it’s very heartwarming to see.  Alex also tries to explain the situation to his friends when they meet his brother.  He will explain to them, “Michael is autistic, and he can’t talk.  He is still learning how, but he can say hello to you.”  Thankfully, most of his friends know of Michael’s autism and are very welcoming to him as well. 

Lastly, I just want to say I know there are so many resources out there for autism siblings.  My original thought when starting this blog post was to share statistics and resources with you.  However, after thinking about it, I just wanted to talk about Alex.  I wanted to share why he is such a great kid and how he helps me get through the days.  He is truly a remarkable little boy and yes, I’m biased, but I think if you met him, you would agree. 

Before I end this, I want to share one funny story with you.  Somehow, a few months ago, we got on the subject of underwear, specifically undershirts, and how mom doesn’t wear them.  I said to Alex, “No, I wear a bra.  Do you know what a bra is?”  He said, “Of course!  A bra is something that looks like a huge pair of sunglasses and you strap it around your chest!”  Hilarious!  I was crying laughing when he said that!  That’s my Alex!

If you would like more information regarding autism and/or autism sibling relationships, please comment below.  I’d love to share more info with you or if there is someone you know who can benefit. 

Tweet
Pin1
Share
1 Shares

Filed Under: Autism, Special Needs Parenting

Previous Post: « My Top 3 Things You Really Need For Your Disney Trip…Pss It Won’t Cost A Thing!
Next Post: Hollywood Studios Day! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angela alday says

    April 2, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    Love love love this!

    • Joann says

      April 2, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      Thank you Angela!

  2. Jessica Holley says

    April 2, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    Oh my goodness! The pictures of your guys are just adorable! I can’t imagine navigating this with twins, but you are amazing, Mama. What blessed boys! Thanks so much for collaborating! Sending hugs!

    • Joann says

      April 2, 2020 at 10:43 pm

      Hi Jess! Thank you! In the beginning it was challenging, but we got through it. Thank you for collaborating with me too. Hugs to you!

  3. lisa says

    April 2, 2020 at 10:33 pm

    great stories. it was so wonderful to read .

    • Joann says

      April 2, 2020 at 10:43 pm

      Thank you Lisa!

  4. Christine Arnone says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:07 am

    Hi Joann, love the pictures of them together they are so precious. Alex is a great
    brother. I know lots of times that Alex & I have gone out shopping he always saids
    we have to get Michael something too. He always remembers his brother Michael.
    You are an amazing mom Joann & they both love you so much. God bless you
    all.

    Love Aunt Chris

    • Joann says

      April 6, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Thank you!

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our mailing list

Recent Comments

  • Joann on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Joann on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Jamieadstories on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Lisa | Mind and Body Intertwined on 5 Kitchen Tools You Need In Your Kitchen Today!
  • Joanne on Let’s Make Disney’s Churros at Home!
DisneyStore.com

Recent Posts

  • What I’m Taking To Disney!
  • We’re Going Back To Disney!
  • Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange

Archives

  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018

Categories

  • Autism
  • Beauty
  • Cooking & Baking
  • Disney
  • Disney Planning
  • Disney Vacation 2019
  • Disney Vacation Planning 2022
  • My Story
  • Product recommendations
  • Recipes
  • Special Needs Parenting
  • Sponsored Posts
  • The Little Things….Monthly Favorites
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Yesterday I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Yesterday I went to Alex’s basketball game.  Although they lost, it was sooo close and such a great game.  I never had an interest in basketball, but amazing how things change when you have kids! I’ve become an “Official” basketball mom! 😜
I’m still working on decluttering my house and organizing as much as I can every day.  I’m slowly working my way through getting rid of things that I no longer need, want or have any use for.  It feels good to finally be in the right mindset for letting things go.  I don’t think I’m a pack rat, but for many years I’ve held onto things for the “Just in case” moments.  I’m trying to keep focused on the fact that keeping things for that reason isn’t necessary anymore.  It feels so freeing as I am starting to see a real difference.  So far so good.  How was your weekend? Have a great evening! #weekendupdate #basketballmom #declutter #declutteryourhome #organizing #autismmom
Do you like to cook or bake? Over the last several Do you like to cook or bake? Over the last several months I have been receiving DM’s asking if it was possible to do a cooking collab with me. It seems as though many of you love to cook and bake AND want to share your skills on my YouTube channel! I love this! If you are interested in releasing your “Inner Chef” on my channel, please let me know! I’d love to have you! My next available spot is for March and I’m open to whatever you want to do! Whether you want to make a Disney recipe or an old family recipe, I’m here for it! So, who wants to join me, just send me a DM or let me know in the comment below ⬇️ Let’s do this! Have a great evening my BFF’s! #cookwithme #innerchef #wannabecook #bakewithme #youtube #cooking #baking #disneyrecipes
Good evening BFF’s! We are almost there, I can s Good evening BFF’s! We are almost there, I can see Friday from here! 👀 I’m so ready for this week to end.  It’s been a little tough for Michael this week and that means it’s been tough for us too.  We are pushing through the best we can and hoping for calmer days ahead. 
I know I’ve been a little quiet over here but I’ve been keeping myself busy decluttering and organizing our home.  In between that, of course I’ve been working, and keeping up my reading goal.  In case you missed it, yesterday I posted a “Spend The Day With Me,” vlog, please go check it out if you haven’t already.  Thank you for watching and have a great evening! #wednesdaymood
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Yesterday I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Yesterday I had to work but after that I headed to Alex’s basketball game and they won! Right after the game, we headed to Applebee’s (per his request) to celebrate! 
Today I spent a majority of the day decluttering, organizing and cleaning.  I’ve made it a goal this year to get rid of everything in my house that’s dragging me down.  I want to be able to walk into a room and feel peace, not overwhelmed.  It’s a work in process 😂 
Thankfully I am off tomorrow.  My only plan is to finish my second book of the year!! I’m on a roll my friends! Have a great evening! #weekendupdate #basketballmom #decluttering #organization
Come bake cranberry muffins with me while I finall Come bake cranberry muffins with me while I finally answered your questions in this week’s bake and chat with me on my YouTube channel. Thank you for watching! Direct link in bio.  #bakeandchat #bakewithme #cranberrymuffins #youtube
I’m loving my new spice jars! I’ll be sharing I’m loving my new spice jars! I’ll be sharing more about it these beauties in next week’s vlog! Stay tuned! #spicejarorganization #organizing #pantryorganization
Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Card Holders - PRINTAB Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Card Holders - PRINTABLE BUNDLE 

Show your love and appreciation with these cute Valentine's Day Coffee Gift card holders.  Can also be used for Target or Amazon gift cards! 

You get 10 designs and all you have to do is download, print and add your gift card! Makes a great teacher, neighbor, employee or family gift for Valentine's Day! Direct link in bio. #valentinesday #giftcardholder #coffeegiftcard #teachersgift #printable #instantdownload #etsy #valentinesdaygiftideas
How was your weekend? Yesterday morning bright and How was your weekend? Yesterday morning bright and early I had to take Michael for bloodwork.  I was dreading it all week! But a huge thank you to Michael’s home therapist for helping me and he did awesome! What a relief! 
I went to mass on my own today.  Alex had a slight temperature and sore throat, so my husband stayed home with him.  Michael stayed home too because I’m not brave enough to go with Michael on my own. 😝
Since I was going by myself I decided to go to mass at a smaller church that I use to go to. This was the church we attended when we moved out of the town I grew up in. 
My mom loved this church because it was a smaller church community, similar to our old parish.  It was such a beautiful mass and it was nice to visit again. 
The rest of the day consisted of my favorite thing in the world, laundry.  But I have managed to do a lot of reading this weekend.  I’m so happy to say, I am almost finished with my first book of the year! If all goes well, I should be finished tomorrow.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  #weekendupdate #lovealwaysjoann #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife
Good morning ☀️ Have a wonderful day! #sunday Good morning ☀️ Have a wonderful day! #sunday #spaceshipearthsunday
Give me ten minutes a day. That’s what I asked Give me ten minutes a day.  That’s what I asked my family when my dad gave me a Kindle for Christmas.  I told them to please just give me ten minutes a day so I can return to reading, something I truly missed.  I’m happy to share not only have I been getting ten minutes, but some days I get a whole half hour.  It’s been wonderful getting to slip away into my room and leaving the beautiful chaos for a few minutes! I was so excited to get back to reading that I decided to include reading in my own personal goals this year.  I’m going to aim for 50 books this year and hope for the best.  I just recently started my old Goodreads account again and if you also enjoy reading, please consider joining me.  The link to my Goodreads account is linked in my bio.  Now if you’ll excuse me, my ten minutes of reading is about to begin! Happy reading! #kindlepaperwhite #reading #readinggoals #goodreads #goals
Are you team goals or team resolutions? Or maybe Are you team goals  or team resolutions? Or maybe neither? 
When I was younger, I remember friends and family asking me, What’s your New Year’s resolution? I used to hate that question and I still do.  I always felt like why  did I need to make a resolution? What was the point? As I got older, I realize that resolutions really weren’t necessary. At least not for me.  Any resolution that I had ever made, I never followed through.  For the longest time, I sailed through the new year only counting down the days to summer. 
After start my blog in 2018, things changed and in order to grow my blog, I needed to work on goals.  That’s when I realized I was much more of a goal oriented person and I accomplished so much more.  With that said, of course I do have goals this year and I will share more about them in my next Youtube video. 
Speaking of Youtube, I’ve been thinking about what direction I’d like to go in this year and I’m going to make a few changes.  I’m excited about it and I’m hoping this will be something you enjoy watching too.  I’ll share more with you all soon. 
Earlier, I posted a Q&A box in my stories and I would love it if you could send me some questions.  It can be about anything including my drunken escapade with Long Island Ice Teas! 🤣🤪 If you are not sure what I’m talking about, go watch my Christmas Cocktail Challenge video and you’ll find out. 😉 
I’m looking forward to talking about new goals, word of the year (which I may or may not have this year) and of course cooking, baking, Disney and autism.  Thank you for sending in your questions and let me know in the comments below ⬇️ Do you have any goals, resolutions or a word of the year? I’d love to hear! #goals #resolutions #wordoftheyear #autismmom  #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife
A very Happy 13th Birthday to my Maggie! She had a A very Happy 13th Birthday to my Maggie! She had all the treats she wanted today! 🐶 🐾 🎂🥰 #seniordogsofinstagram #chocolatelab #chocolatelabsofinstagram #seniorlab #seniorlabsofinstagram #happybirthday
Day 1/365 - Walking into Day 1 of a new year with Day 1/365 - Walking into Day 1 of a new year with anticipation of what’s to come! Leaving behind last year’s never ending journey of trying to do and be everything.  Here’s to living a slower pace and more present life! Here’s to a new year and new beginnings! Happy New year! #dayone #2023 #newday #newbeginnings
As we get closer to the end of the year, I just wa As we get closer to the end of the year, I just want to thank you for all the love and support you have given me this past year.  Whether you followed along on social media, watched my videos on YouTube or made a purchase in my Etsy shop, I’m so grateful for each and everyone of you! Thank you, thank you! ❤️🙏
So many wonderful memories were made in 2022! An unexpected Disney trip, Michael transferred to a private school and watching my little YouTube channel growing to 290 subscribers, it was a really memorable year! I’m looking forward to seeing what the new year brings! 
Wishing you all a Happy New Year’s Eve Eve! 🎉 #thankyou #goodbye2022 #hello2023 #newyearseveeve
New in the shop! Valentine’s Day Handprint art! New in the shop! Valentine’s Day Handprint art! You get 8 designs and all you have to do is download, print and add your child's handprint/footprint using a non toxic paint.  These can easily be framed and give as a gift or hang in your home.  Makes a perfect gift for grandparents and family! Direct link to shop in bio. #valentines #valentinehandprint #handprintart #footprintart #valentinesday #kidsartideas #kidsartsandcrafts #valentinesdaygiftideas #kidsvalentines #printable #digitaldownload #instantdownload #etsy #printableart #lovealwaysdesignshop
Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a Christ Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a Christmas card! I made my last pick up of the year today and I was so happy to see all your beautiful cards! I wrote out the last of my cards today so you should be receiving them shortly.  Thank you again and I will see you in the summer for my Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange! #christmascardexchange #christmascards
I lost my mom to cancer on December 27th, 2013. I I lost my mom to cancer on December 27th, 2013.  I can’t believe it’s been 9 years.  I miss her every day and I would do anything to see her again, even if it was only for a few minutes.  I’d love to give her a hug one more time.  Life is short.  Don’t waste one second of it .  #imissmymom #grief #griefjourney #timedoesnotheal
Happy Anniversary Patty & Teddy! ❤️🥰😘 #a Happy Anniversary Patty & Teddy! ❤️🥰😘 #anniversary #happyanniversary
Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonderful day wit Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonderful day with your family and friends! 🎄🎁❤️ #merrychristmas #jesusisthereasonfortheseason
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas Eve! Have Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas Eve!  Have a wonderful day! #merrychristmaseve
Load More... Follow on Instagram

© Joann Salas and LovealwaysJoann.com, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (including photos and videos) without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Joann Salas and LovealwaysJoann.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

lovealwaysjoann · Copyright © 2023