Autism has a wider context - by Donna Williams

(For High Definition version add this: &fmt=18 to the end of the URL) Autism has a wider context - siblings, carers, school, community - and they shape EACH other. Equality is a TWO WAY STREET. Siblings are shaped by the world around them and in turn can facilitate each other's development or hinder it. I had an older brother who liked me until his first childhood friend asked 'what's wrong with your sister, is she one of them 'spastics' (you will notice the changed expression and a slide where he has his fingers and legs crossed - a ritual non-autistic kids did to avoid catching what 'germ' they imagined the other had). A brother, 7 years younger, by contrast felt his 10 year old sister who could play like a 3 year old, was the best sister in the world. But non-autistic siblings are shaped by carers, schools, communities and their dignity and development deserves understanding in its own right. When autistics sarcastically and cynically use reverse-prejudice to distance themselves from the non-autistic world, then WE isolate, we discriminate and there are no excuses for adding harm in an already mixed up world.

further info:
http://www.myspace.com/nobodynowherethefilm
http://www.donnawilliams.net
http://www.aspinauts.com

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[birds16ful]

Hi my siblings love to play with me & love me forever but my brother Max likes me more then you ever seen. I have Cerebral Palsy on my left side.

[txstoryteller]

Great message, but autism still confuses me! Five stars!

[carol3hawks]

Your message will soar..to parents and siblings in search of needed comfort

[BKFischer1334]

any where I can get the words to this song?

[aspiegirl1130]

beutiful message here

[ABAisSCIENCE]

A beautiful video for explaining the variety of f(x) on what role the sibling might take. The key is learning to play as possible together and that comes from training by adults to show the typical sibling what the child with autism can do and how to get it. Yet without making the child feel it is a job and that means the parents have to be smart.

[gahana108]

Beautiful message. Thanks, Donna. Five stars!

[mom5mills]

well said. siblings can learn so much from each other

i think the parent's attitudes have a lot to do with shaping their relationships- a strong family identity/solidarity can overcome bad influences...

[christschool]

Wonderful Video.

[woodessence]

Thanks for this video, I'm glad you are here Donna. I checked out your books from the library a few years ago which helped me alot.