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The novel "Boy Alone: A Brother's Memoir" shares a beautifully balanced perspective of growing up as an Autism sibling. Karl Taro Greenfield does not shy away from detailing the triumph, hardship, and frustration he endured as he grew up in the shadows of his well-known younger brother Noah, who was diagnosed with Autism at an early age. Karl Taro Greenfield's authentic perception of living alongside his brother is something that makes this book especially engaging as it provides aspects of his reality that many people may not recognize or understand. In addition to providing extensive information about Autism research and the history of Autism in regard to his personal family experiences, we learn about the author's personal interpretations, feelings, and family experiences. I really appreciated and resonated with the author addressing several stages of their lives as a family and sibling pair, illustrating what his relationship with Noah looked like in different stages of life growing up. I can relate to this in my own life as well, as my relationship with my brother Danny has taken several different forms as we have grown up. My favorite aspect of the novel is the balance I noted above, as woven within his memoir, there is an undeniable, unconditional love for his brother. Like any siblings, miscommunication, disagreements, and frustrations are practically inevitable growing up. However, there is something so powerful about the relationship Karl and Noah, as well as anyone with a sibling who has Autism shares. This memoir is so important.

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In EDA Ch. 4, we discussed "Teaching Students with Autism and Lower Incidence disabilities". This unit encompassed Autism Spectrum Disorder and Physical Disabilities, as well as strategies to implement in the classroom setting. In the novel, "Boy Alone", Noah, Karl Taro Greenfield's younger brother, is diagnosed with Autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder involves impairments in social, emotional, and cognitive functionality. Aspects such as self-stimulating behaviors, Echolalia, and difficulties with sensory and emotion can be common for those on the spectrum. It is imperative to note that every individual on the spectrum is unique, and may display different levels of behaviors and skillsets. Therefore, we must be open to consistently learning more, and supporting each and every individual with a disability such as Autism that walks into our lives. When we accept one another for who they are, the world is a better place. Fortunately, this isn't a hard thing to do. In fact, opening our minds and hearts to individuals on the spectrum is something that can change your life and perspective in the best ways possible.

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Connection to Book - The Movie "Rain Man"

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Connection to Book - The Movie "Rain Man"

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The plot line of "Boy Alone: A Brother's Memoir" correlates with the plot of the movie "Rain Man" in several ways. From a young age, I watched this film with my dad, and it has been one I have always enjoyed and connected with. The movie follows Charlie Babbitt, a once rebellious teenager determined to obtain the millions of dollars his father has left in the hands of Charlie's brother, Raymond. Raymond has Autism, and lives in The Walbrook Institute. What follows is an epic reconnection between the two brothers that despite beginning with hardships, misunderstanding, and frustration from both parties as they learn to understand one another, displays the undeniable love they have for one another. This movie means so much to me, and relates to the memoir "Boy Alone" as the film displays the honest and authentic sides of being a sibling of an individual with Autism, much like the genuine accounts Karl Taro Greenfield shares in his book.

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RAIN MAN Clip - "Toothpick" (1988) Dustin Hoffman & Tom Cruise

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Connection To Book: Text-to-Text Connection: "Rules" By Cynthia Lord

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Connection To Book: Text-to-Text Connection: "Rules" By Cynthia Lord

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All throughout elementary school, I consistently gravitated back toward the book "Rules", which parallels the concepts within the "Boy Alone" memoir as it follows 12-year-old Catherine as she navigates life being an Autism sibling. Much like the notions Karl Taro Greenfield represents in his memoir, Catharine displays a protective and supportive demeanor, coinciding with moments of frustration and misunderstandings that can come with being a sibling of an individual on the Autism spectrum. I adored this book growing up because I could relate to it on multiple levels, so I was pleased to be able to read a similar concept and storyline with a different perspective from the Boy Alone Memoir. Perhaps the aspect of these two texts I appreciate the most is the love that transpires, amidst the hardships, between siblings of those on the Autism Spectrum.

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Much like the journey of Karl Taro Greenfield and his brother Noah, I too am a sibling of someone with Autism. My older brother Danny was diagnosed with Autism when he was two-years old. Having the experience of growing up as an Autism sibling is something I will never ever take for granted, as so much of who I am is because of who Danny is. I learned empathy, inclusion, and respect for those on the spectrum at a very young age. I love the person this has made me today; and of course, I love the person Danny is. He is kind, accepting of everyone he meets, finds joy in the littlest of things, and reminds me to do all of this and more as well. It is imperative to note that while I have nothing but a grateful heart for having a big brother with Autism, I do relate to the frustration Karl Taro Greenfield notes within his experiences growing up with Noah. It wasn't always entirely easy for me to accept when Danny would scream when unexpected fireworks began, or receive extra attention from therapists who would visit our home (who my sister and I would always try to hang out with; unknowing of the reason they were there being to help our brother of course). When you are younger, these aspects of having a sibling with Autism aren't always clear, but that is okay. It is all a part of the journey to recognizing why things are the way they are, and the beauty within the experience. A specific aspect of the memoir I relate to is the inexplicable relationship that forms when you have a sibling with Autism. One main concept of the memoir posed the question of how relationships form through nonverbal communication, and how they develop and grow into meaningful connections. I relate to this as my mom will always share stories of me as a child asking "Why he no talk to me?" when I would toddle around and attempt to engage with Danny when we were babies. I like thinking about this memory because I believe it showcases the love and curiosity I had for my brother despite him not yet being able to share his thoughts with me.  There is just something about having a sibling with Autism growing up alongside you that teaches you immeasurable patience and kindness, through hardship and through beautiful, unforgettable memories.

Attached to this post is a link to a documentary I made about my brother Danny when I was in film class in highschool!

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“lacerating pilgrimage…the disruptive and expensive treks from specialist to specialist, city to city, trying to buy hope.” Or what Pearl S. Buck, years earlier about her own retarded and autistic child, calls, “That long journey of which parents of such children know so well…Driven by conviction that there must be someone who can cure…we”

This is a well-known excerpt from the novel, one in which provokes intense emotions as it touches upon the feelings of parents with children on the spectrum as they embark on their life-long pursuit of ensuring their child will have the happiest, most successful life possible. I feel as though this quote depicts a negative connotation of this experience, which I refuse to denote as false. Because in actuality, this can be a very life-altering, and stressful time for parents as they learn of their child's disability. However, with one day, and one decision at a time, I really believe and have had the privilege of experiencing on several accounts the joy these individuals bring to not only their families, but all who have the privilege of meeting them. While I would never discredit the emotions parents may feel during this experience, I feel very content knowing of the beautiful lessons and ways of life they will encounter ahead.