“My Brother’s Autistic and I’m Not” One South Miami Girl’s Journey With Her Brother

Alexia K Borges and her brother Damian Borges
Alexia K Borges and her brother Damian Borges
Alexia K Borges and her brother Damian Borges

Some may describe my life as a struggle and a constant burden; others may describe it as a blessing filled with unique qualities. As for myself, I would describe my life as quite ordinary. I have had many high moments and low moments in this roller coaster called life, but so has everyone else. My highs and lows are just a little different and somewhat complex when compared to those of any other ordinary teenager. If my life were to be viewed from a distance, I don’t think anyone would be able to tell the difference between my family and any other average family. We participate in everyday activities like going to school, attending church, running errands and buying groceries. But we also experience things that most would consider unusual, such as frequently visiting different specialists and calling 911 every so often. For you see, although I may view my life as being quite ordinary, others do not because society has labeled it to be “different.” Why is it so different? My big brother Damian has autism.

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Alexia Borges and Damian Borges

Autism is a word that scares many people. Others are confused by it. Still others simply avoid it.But autism should not make people feel afraid or confused. And it certainly should not be ignored. I am currently working on a book entitled My Brother’s Autistic and I’m Not. This book will hopefully quell those fears, answer some of those questions and get the conversation going. By unveiling the reality that is my life as a sister of a brother who has autism, I hope to help readers see the truth – that autistic people are just that – people. All proceeds of the book will be donated to Fellowship Church of South Miami and their autism outreach efforts. While it seems that most of my generation uses social media and technology as the ultimate distraction from their life, I use this platform to communicate a message and shape a more inclusive future. My blog, www.alexiaborges.com, chronicles my dailies with Damian. Not only do I reflect on the challenges of our dynamic relationship, but I also include our very typical sibling moments. One in 68 children are diagnosed with autism, totaling one percent of the world population. This makes it a global pandemic that needs to be addressed. I want to champion inclusion while supporting those who have a loved one living with a disability. These individuals should be embraced and included as productive members within our society. My mission is to shift the views of my community, and, ultimately, the world by giving a new definition to the word “ordinary.”


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