All I could hear was we would never be a real family. My thoughts kept shifting from, Sean, to his dad, Jamie, then to JP. From what the doctor was saying, we no longer had a son but an autistic child.

How would this affect JP? What kind of relationship would they have? How could we ever give JP all the love, attention and time he needed?

Our first step as a family was the realization that we were not alone. It is surprising and alarming how many families enter the world of autism each day as their son/ daughter is diagnosed. As we began to connect with other families, we were no longer isolated, revolving around Sean’s world. JP was able to talk to other kids who were living in similar situations. We each had someone safe to share our fears and frustrations with, someone who truly understood.

Our second step was to realize we are a “normal family” with extraordinary gifts and needs. Each of us makes our family special in our own way.  We continually have to stop and ensure that we are focusing on each of our gifts.  So that our family is not lost in the "world of disabilities".

JP is a typical 6th grader who just happens to have a brother who has autism. He is a wonderful advocate for his brother. He is kind, caring and compassionate.

He is able to see the world through his brother’s eyes. It is wonderful to watch our sons have “typical” sibling issues. They call each other names, argue over the TV and Nintendo 64 and they love each other. Many times my husband and I have to remind each other that typical siblings have issues.  We also share stories about the struggles we faced growing up with typical siblings.  Of course JP grins and says, "mom I'm glad I wasn't your brother."

Sean’s autism has enabled our family to enjoy the small everyday miracles life has to offer.

Sean’s autism has been the worst and best thing that has happened to our family. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that JP would be his brother’s greatest teacher and my hero.

JP will continue to help others see the child first then the disability.

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