I touched on this last night a little bit already. Elliott Richard is getting more and more frustrated with everything Gavin. He wants to play with Gavin in the worst way but it rarely works out. Gavin likes to play his way (which is the only right way in his mind) and Elliott Richards wants to play his.
We have to keep things pretty mundane because Gavin just gets to out of control and someone gets hurt. I’m not sure how to best explain to Elliott Richard that Gavin is different. I know he realizes that Gavin is different but doesn’t understand why.
For example we just got home from my parents house (they were watching the kids for Lizze’s appointment). While we were there they were playing a game much like “hot potato” but with this stuffed dog that sings “who let the dogs out”. We tried to pull Gavin away but everyone kept throwing the damn things to him. Gavin was getting all worked up and dancing to the music very vigorously. The plates in my parents china cabinet were bouncing around.
I pulled him away because I could see where this was going. Elliott Richard just couldn’t understand why Gavin couldn’t play. I keep telling Lizze that I want to write a book about this for kids. I have most of it already.
We think it’s hard on us as parents but I think right now Ellliott Richard as the only “typical” child in the family has it much harder in many ways.
LT
I just finished reading this book called "How to be a Sister" By Eileen Garvin. I am going to blog about it tonight after Matt goes to bed.
The author of this book grew up with an older sister with autism. It's completely from the sibling's point of view. It is a GREAT read! While, its too mature for Alec to read, I do share parts of it with him. Just letting him know that he is not alone. This author advocates for siblings of children with asd. She lives just 20 minutes away from me. Anyway, I couldn't put it down. I feel like keeping the lines of communication open with Alec is the best thing I can do. Even though he doesn't want to talk about it. He resents his brother. But I still affirm his feelings on how hard it must be for him. We actually have him seeing a councelor on a needed basis. It really does help.
Mandi
Thanks. I'm going to have to check that out.