What's life ahead of my sister who has autism?

Philippines
February 27, 2007 3:09am CST
My sister is 15, she has autism, she goes to a special school and I can see improvements on her. She is well behaved and can do a little bit of house chores but she doesn't speak, she can utter few words but you can't really talk to her straight. She's very affectionate and loving that's why now that I'm married I'm quite scared of what's life ahead of her? I still have 2 brothers and my parents are still alive to be with her, but it makes me think, what about after a few years. What will she be when she's adult already? I love my sister so much, sometimes when my husband and I are thinking of moving out, I feel sad because i don't wanna leave my sister. My sister is very fond of me as well, i remember when i got married and she had to move to a different room for the first time it was hard for us both because we sleep together. we hang out in our bedroom for hours playing and listening to music. When my husband and i are not sleeping she would still stay in the room and bring her radio to listen to music. It's a good thing that my husband loves her too, and she likes my hubby as well. I love it when the 3 of us watch tv together. My sister is so adorable, but i don't think she can become like other autistic kids whop were able to study in a normal school and finish college and get a job. I wonder... how it's going to be? But whatever happens I'll always be there for my sister. Even if it means I have to take care of her for a lifetime.
3 responses
@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
27 Feb 07
First let me say to you how much I love it that you feel such a warm and deep love for your sister and that I totally appreciate that you and your husband are taking care of her together with your other family members. In the long run your family may consider finding a protected enviroment for her where she can live and be guided by people who take her best interest at heart. Eeen in a protected enviroment she can be independent. it might even be good for her when she can make friends of her own in such a place. It's an option you must consider because you don not know what life will bring. But it takes time and good judgement to make such life-changing decisions not only for your sister but also for you. But whatever decision you and your family will make I know there will be a lot of love behind it.
• Philippines
28 Feb 07
i know there are institutions like that but i don't know if they have that in the Philippines. The thought of that also makes me feel that I'm gonna abandon her. I'm scared that she might not be given proper attention and love. I really can't imagine my sister being away from me or being away from our family. I just can't. That scares me.
• Netherlands
28 Feb 07
I'm not sure about the Philppines. It might be difficult for your sister to find a home for her. But you needn't worry. As far as I can see she lives in a loving family and i guess all of you want to take care of her. Of course you'll never abandon her. I don't know about the possibilities in the Phillippines but maybe you can bring in a professional caretaker (I mean someone who is trained to work with autistic people) to help out with your sister when your family need it. But whatever happens I hope you, your sister and your family have a long and happy life together.
@NancyLobo (680)
• India
17 Mar 07
I can understand your feeling and I know that you really care for your sister,I can indentify with you as I am a mom of a son with autism he is 10 years old and he has little speech so it is my concern also, I pray for his speech and train him , the future troubles us but I think we can leave this things in God's hands he will have a good plan for them, till your parents are living they can mind her then when they get too old they can search for her some nice christian place so that she is well cared for, I will remember your sister in my prayers, GOd has aplan for them so dont worry you can search such type of places and keep, I live in India which also lacks all this facilities, But anyway i trust in the Lord he will show me the right direction.
• United States
17 Mar 07
Your sister may not be able to have a typical life, but she can still have a great life! There are independent living programs she can enter when she gets a little older, that can help her to live as freely as possible. I saw a documentary called "Autism Is A World" (Maybe you've seen it?" where the young woman had autism and was nonverbal. She was able to learn to communicate with a keyboard. She had her own apartment, and she had aides who came to help her with day to day living tasks. Your sister will probably always need someone in her life to guide her, but she can certainly achieve some level of independence and, hopefully, be able to do the things she enjoys doing! Good luck!