My mother's in denial?

Question

my brother was diagnosed with autism 4 years ago, though the doctors said that he had some autistic traits. but doctors never want to say anything too concrete when it comes to mental illnesses and so on.

my mum is clinging onto that and says that it could be something else other than autism.

however, its clear from his behavior that he has autism... how can i make her face up to the facts?

i've read some books about autism and how other families have coped with it, but i'm 16, starting college in a week's time and i just don't have the time and energy needed to help him as much as he needs it and my mum is just stubbornly insisting that he doesn't have autism. whenever somebody asks she just goes "he has learning difficulties"

it's really doing my head in, please help...

Answer 1

If the doctors do not understand the illness how can you be sure he has it?The books you read were written by very likely by the doctors.Do not make hasty conclusions.Autism is a poorly understood illness so many words that you consider facts are just assumptions.Just because he has autistic traits does not mean he has autism.His behavior can be mistaken for Autism.

Answer 2

OMG SAME well i trying to get mum to take my brother to the doctors for years everytime i ask her she is just like nup no NO he is just differnt. He cant write properly he has writing like a grade 1 he not smart but he dosent get that bad grades he has speech difficulties  he can say rr or th or ch it sound like shhh. He has no common sense at all. He cant sit still he alway moving. He has a weird voice. All  my friends think he is mentally retarted cuz he acts sooo weird. Hes only year and half younger than me hes 13 im 14  soo i kind kno what he should be like  

Answer 3

Since your mum has a block up about the label autism how about letting her continue for now with the term learning difficulties but trying to get her to agree to some interventions/assistance for him. If you can phrase it in a way that won't make her shut down then she may be more willing to accept the interventions you suggest from your research. Maybe you could call his school special ed department and ask if they can set up a meeting with your mother to make a plan for your brother for the next year and gently insist that he be enrolled in some therapy . She needs someone other than you to point out his needs and the assistance available to him that can help make his life better. You are a good sister for being so concerned and trying to do the right things for your brother. i hope by making a few phone calls you can get some help started and clear your mind enough to embrace college.