Gabriela Arp (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
A Bond Between Brothers
Gold
Domestic Picture Story
Evan, 14, and Holden, 10, are two brothers living with autism. “Evan and Holden can relate to each other and will always be there for one another. Understanding how each other feels makes them feel less isolated, more normal,” says their mother Heather Pardue.
While the two brothers share a bond, they can also also trigger each other’s behavioral issues. However, Heather says that “not everything is about autism – sometimes, it's just about being siblings.”
Story: A Bond Between Brothers
A Bond Between Brothers
Evan, 14, and Holden,10, are brothers. Both have been diagnosed with autism. While the current reported rate for having a child with autism is 1 in 64, that rate rises to 1 in 4 when you have a sibling with the disorder. While the autism aggravates their relationship, it also pulls them closer. They understand each other in a way that no one else can.
Story: A Bond Between Brothers
A Bond Between Brothers
“Not everything is about their autism; it’s sometimes just about being siblings. The only thing that makes it atypical is their overaction,” says Heather about the fights between the two boys.
Story: A Bond Between Brothers
A Bond Between Brothers
Heather comforts Holden after the argument between him and Evan. The outbursts are less frequent after years of therapy, but their triggers are often small and unknown.
Story: A Bond Between Brothers
A Bond Between Brothers
“I’m very happy I have two children with autism. They can relate and will always have each other. Understanding how they both feel makes them feel less isolated, more normal," said Heather.
Story: A Bond Between Brothers
The Bond Between Brothers
Evan is in a blended program in school, meaning half of his classes are designed for young adults with special needs and the other half are designed for the general school population. Here, Evan sits at his desk before his health class begins. This course is in the general school track.
Story: A Bond Between Brothers
The Bond Between Brothers
Holden looks for lemurs at the Greensboro Science Center. He is enamored by all of the animals and goes to the museum every week with his mom.
Story: A Bond Between Brothers
A Bond Between Brothers
Evan and Holden hug after a fight. Next year, the two boys will start at a new independent school, started by their mom Heather. Her hope is that the curriculum will help them become more independent and give them the opportunity to flourish in an academic environment tailored to their needs.
Story: A Bond Between Brothers
A Bond Between Brothers
Evan and Holden ask Santa if they are on the "nice" list. Both are asking for the latest Sponge Bob Squarepants video game for Christmas.