Daughter Clashes with Dad Over Step-Brother’s Attachment Issues

Divorce and remarriage can be tough on everyone involved, especially when it comes to blending families. In this story, a young woman finds herself in a difficult situation with her autistic step-brother, Adam. After moving out for college, she’s faced with the prospect of spending Thanksgiving break in close quarters with him, and things take a dramatic turn. ‍ ‍ ‍

The Divorce and Remarriage

Adam’s Attachment

College and Distance

The Airbnb Situation

The Confrontation

The Call Ends

The Accusations

Adam’s Behavior

EDIT: More About Adam

The Autism Label

The Crush

Drama Unfolds as Thanksgiving Plans Cause Family Tension

The young woman in this story is caught in a whirlwind of family drama after her father remarries and she gains an autistic step-brother, Adam. His attachment to her becomes a major issue, especially when her father insists she spend Thanksgiving break with them in an Airbnb with limited privacy. After expressing her discomfort and refusing to stay with them, she’s accused of being ableist by her dad and step-mom. As the situation escalates, it’s clear that this family is in dire need of some outside perspective. What do you think? Let’s dive into the top responses from the internet…

Setting boundaries with step-siblings can be tough

Daughter asserts boundaries with overbearing parents and step-brother.

Respecting boundaries isn’t ableist. Autonomy matters. NTA

Asserting independence and boundaries with entitled father over accommodation.

Daughter stands up to dad and stepmom, NTA

Respectful boundaries are important for everyone’s well-being.

Parent shares experience with similar issue, supports OP’s perspective.

Setting boundaries with step-brother with attachment issues. NTA.

NTA commenter calls out parents for failing to teach boundaries.

Step-sister copying identity, NTA for wanting privacy and space.

Stand your ground and feel safe. You’re NTA in this.

NTA. If he made you uncomfortable, he made you uncomfortable.

Supportive comment acknowledges past and encourages self-care during holiday season.

NTA. Setting boundaries is important for your well-being.

NTA stands up against sexual harassment from step-brother.

Respecting boundaries is important. NTA

NTA. The dad and stepmom are major AHs for not respecting boundaries

Setting boundaries is important, NTA for prioritizing your mental health.

Support for NTA’s decision to address inappropriate behavior.

Mother of autistic son supports setting boundaries with step-brother.

Late diagnosed autistic person defends OP’s boundaries with step-brother. NTA

Teaching children with autism, NTA explains boundaries to parent

Communicate needs, set boundaries, and respect consent to resolve conflict.

Establishing boundaries with step-brother, NTA. Disability doesn’t excuse behavior.

Setting boundaries is crucial for everyone, including those with autism

Autistic commenter shares personal story and supports OP’s discomfort.

NTA for not wanting to be around clingy step-brother with autism

Setting boundaries with step-sibling. NTA plans to limit contact after graduation.

Stand up for yourself! NTA for setting boundaries

Respectful boundaries are key to a happy family

Stand up for yourself, you’re not obligated to tolerate discomfort.

Stand up for yourself, NTA! Your feelings are valid.

Trust issues with dad and stepmom hinder relationship with step-brother

Daughter receives support for not appeasing step-brother’s attachment issues.

NTA. Your personal space matters. Talk to your father.

Standing up for step-brother and calling out ableism

Setting boundaries isn’t ableist. Good for you standing up.

Don’t compromise your comfort and privacy for step-brother’s issues.

Volunteer shares story about breaking societal norms and ableism.

Respecting boundaries is crucial, NTA.

Teaching autistic children basic social norms is possible

Trust your gut, get a lock. NTA

Sibling of autistic person shares experience, defends boundaries.

Trust your instincts, even if others don’t understand

Setting boundaries for autistic step-brother. NTA.

Autistic person defends NTA judgement on step-brother’s attachment issues. ✊

Stepbrother’s behavior is concerning, NTA for feeling uncomfortable.

Respectful response to step-brother’s attachment issues. NTA

Curious about the severity of autism and support for Adam

Valid feelings matter. It’s not your fault if others don’t understand.

Setting boundaries with empathy and respect is key.

Trust your gut: NTA for setting personal boundaries with step-brother.

Respect and boundaries are key.

NTA. Commenter argues against entitlement and ableism in special needs parenting.

Step-brother’s attachment issues causing family conflict, NTA stands firm.

Demanding basic accommodations doesn’t make you NTA.

Set boundaries and cut contact if necessary for your safety.

Setting boundaries for autistic children is hard work, but necessary. NTA.

Put yourself first , don’t sacrifice your comfort for others’ feelings.

Stepbrother’s attachment issues may be more than just that

Step-brother issues cause tension with dad. NTA’s financial independence advice.

Setting boundaries is important. Supportive comment with disappointed tone

Respectful NTA comment supports OP’s discomfort with step-brother’s behavior.

Empathetic commenter shares experience and supports OP’s discomfort. ❤️

Set boundaries and stick to them. NTA for prioritizing your comfort

Respectful NTA comment defends declining plans and setting boundaries.

Set boundaries and don’t feel guilty. NTA

Parent relates to OP’s discomfort with step-brother’s attachment issues

NTA. Setting boundaries is important. Disability is not an excuse.

Set boundaries and stand your ground.

Standing up for boundaries and safety. ‍♀️

Daughter expresses valid concerns about step-brother’s lack of boundaries. NTA.

OP sets boundaries with stepbrother and father, NTA

NTA. Dad needs to listen and understand your discomfort.

Setting boundaries with disabled stepbrother, NTA.

Setting boundaries as an adult with an autistic step-brother.

Not the a**hole for standing up for yourself and boundaries

Setting boundaries is important. NTA for protecting privacy

Setting boundaries with step-siblings: NTA commenters support OP

Father fails to protect daughter from step-brother’s creepy behavior

NTA. Teaching basic boundaries is possible for disabled individuals.

Protect yourself and set boundaries. Seek help from a counselor.

Empathetic comment acknowledges brother’s struggles but calls out behavior.

Setting healthy boundaries with family is important for personal growth.

Sharing a room with step-brother? NTA! That’s inappropriate

Teaching boundaries to special needs teens is important. NTA.

Respecting boundaries of neurodivergent step-brother is not ableist.