How can i make a difference for autistic kids?

Question

My little brother is autistic and i really wanna make a difference for autistic kids, I wanna show the world my little brother, i might even make a video on youtube but idk how, what can i do to make a difference, ( ps im 14)

Answer 1

Start at home.
Make a difference for your brother.
Find something that he is having a hard time learning that he really needs to know how to do. Tying his shoes, making a request, math facts. I don't know it depends on your brother and take it up as a personal project to teach him and spend time with him. Also take part in his interest/ perseverations. Try to make yourself someone he feels he can come to with requests or to share. When you yourself becoming someone he seeks out ... and goes out of his world to find then reach the next child.
One at a time.
Political platforms and larger forums are a weak substitute for the day to day journey with these wonderful children.

Answer 2

I think that it's great that you care enough about your brother and kids with autism that you want to make a difference and take action for them!

You might consider volunteering at your brother's school, or any local autism organizations (such as the Autism Society of America - http://www.autism-society.org/ ). Your parents will probably be able to help you set something like this up.

You may even want to consider becoming a special education teacher. We really need dedicated and caring teachers, and this would be a way to make a difference for many children, if it's something you're interested in.

Another idea might be to make little gift bags for the teachers at a local school (just something simple like a card and some candy). Teachers love to be appreciated, and you could include a small packet of autism information with each gift bag, with a note explaining that you are trying to raise awareness in honor of your brother.

Here are some good resources for information to include:

"Positively Autism" (Free newsletter and printable lessons/activities) - http://www.positivelyautism.com/

"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.ellennotbohm.com/ten_things_article.html

Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html

Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html

I don't know anything about how to put videos on youtube, and you'll probably want to ask your parents for help about doing this, particularly for safety reasons (since anyone online can look at those videos).

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Talk to his special ed teacher for ideas. You may even be able to volunteer or something.

Learning as much as you can about autism so you may be able to babysit would be good also. My nephew is also autistic and you can't just let anyone babysit because the chance of abuse is more with an autistic child because people get frustrated not getting though to them.

Answer 4

Helping with political platform. For which I think you would be to young for. However, with the help of your parents you could establish this. Join an autistic group in your area. Than get involved that way. Help with flyers, statements to the government of making them in Congress aware that children with autism needs help. Good luck. I am proud of you that in such a young age as you are, you want to do something for some one else.
Greetings .Angelika Social Worker ret.

Answer 5

Educate people on the fact that not everyone with autism is the same. That is a big misconception which i blame on the media attention the disorder receives.

Show the world that your brother has a personality all his own and he is loved and important even if he has autism.

Answer 6

Get active in the legislative process. That means on Lobby Days for your Legislature go and push for more services for these people. The fact is most states dont do very well in dealing with autism. Try and get laws changed regarding accessibility to respite care, qualifying for services, job training, education, and more. I am 32 and very active calling my reps and senators to keep them aware of the issues and why these programs(though expensive to start) are cheaper in the long run. Its cheaper to have the developmentally disabled educated and working somewhere than unable to haev basic life skills to care for themselves and no job training.

Answer 7

your brother is your brother, not a circus monkey!!!! ... It is not your job at 14yrs of age to change the world for people with autism, and as far as Utube goes, if you are looking for 15 seconds of fame, then dont, and I wonder what your parents would think of this ...i have a son who is 19 and I still am fighting for his rights, to get the same advatanges as other disabilities. If you have this overwhelming desire to change things then study hard, go to University and become a teacher or a Dr, and in the meantime, love your brother as hard as you can, and acept the nutty things he does as much as you accept the *normal* things he does.

Answer 8

Start at home. Just do what you can to help him and teach him what you can. Things can get discouraging at times but hang in there. Look for what is available in your area (schools or other programs) to help your brother and people like him develop to their full potential. If there is one that needs volunteers see if you can help. Our autism programs need people like you who care about people with autism. I know. I have an adult son with autism who works at a sheltered workshop and the caring people who work with him made and make a big difference in his life. Your brother is lucky to have you in his life.

Answer 9

Babysit them and most of all dont make fun of them. Its really sad when people make fun of them. they cant even help it. But no...you really have made a difference just thinking about it. Maybe you can donate money to a charity or something.

Answer 10

Make him a "que cards" that normally he does not have for communication.

Perhaps... show a sister hugging her brother!