Ever felt like you’re living in the shadows of a sibling? Our 25-year-old protagonist thought she was close to her family growing up, but things changed when she left for college. Her younger brother, Jason, is on the autism spectrum and requires a lot of attention from their parents. As time went on, she started to feel like a second-class citizen in her own family. This year, she decided to spend Christmas with her girlfriend’s family instead of her own, leading to some emotional confrontations.
Family Ties
Brotherly Love
Jason’s Challenges
Family Responsibilities
Feeling Neglected
All About Jason ️
Second-Class Citizen
Christmas with Girlfriend’s Family
First Love
Do They Care?
Mom’s Call
Declining the Invitation ❌
Mom’s Tears
The Big Question
Feeling Invisible in Her Own Family
Our protagonist’s younger brother, Jason, has autism and requires a lot of care from their parents. As a result, she started to feel neglected and like a second-class citizen in her own family. Visits home became less frequent, and this year, she decided to spend Christmas with her girlfriend’s family. Her mom got upset and invited her over for a visit, but she declined, saying that her presence wouldn’t even be noticed because all their attention would be on Jason. This made her mom cry, and now she’s questioning if she was in the wrong for making her mom feel that way. Let’s dive into the internet’s thoughts on this emotional family situation…
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Caring concern for OP’s situation and suggestion for community supports ❤️
Validating the struggle of having an autistic sibling
Heartbreaking situation: Daughter feels invisible in family priorities. NAH.
A mother of two boys with autism empathizes with OP and reminds us not to overlook our non-neurodiverse children.
User empathizes with the commenter and supports their stance.
Validating comment, acknowledges struggle, encourages self-care.
Compassionate comment encourages daughter to prioritize her needs too
Compassionate comment acknowledges caregiver’s struggles and daughter’s emotions ❤
Caring for a disabled family member is hard
NTA. Your parents need outside help to support your brother.
Validating the struggle of feeling invisible while acknowledging the difficult situation. Encouraging hope for repairing the relationship.
Opening up about feeling left out – a healthy conversation
Mixed emotions about daughter leaving; genuine or selfish tears?
Sibling neglect is not excusable, NTA comment holds parents accountable
Encouragement to visit gf’s family while acknowledging family struggles
Balancing the needs of a disabled child is tough for everyone
Sibling’s plea for love and attention amidst brother’s autism
Confronting mom’s exclusion, discussing future plans for autistic brother. NTA
Establishing independence and avoiding parentification at 25. #NTA ♀️
Compassionate reply suggests communication and planning for respite care
Caring for a child with severe autism can be overwhelming
Having an autistic sibling can be challenging. Acknowledgment and conversation needed
Plan for brother’s future to rekindle relationship with parents
Stand your ground and prioritize your own well-being
Compassionate comment suggests help for overwhelmed parents of autistic child
Feeling invisible at home due to sibling’s autism
Glass baby deserves better- seek love elsewhere ❤️
A heartwarming call for communication and understanding
Parent of child on the spectrum empathizes with daughter’s situation ❤️
Caring for a severely disabled sibling can be overwhelming
Offering practical advice and empathy for a neglected daughter ❤️
Choosing your own family can be tough, but important
Sibling suggests care facility for autistic brother, parents failing.
Neglected daughter needs support from community. NTA.
Setting boundaries with empathy and assertiveness
Setting boundaries with aging parents for future care arrangements.
A parent with two severely autistic kids explains how they make sure to spend quality time with their other kids, making them feel loved and appreciated.
NTA. Finding love and support elsewhere when parents focus elsewhere
Friend shares similar experience of feeling invisible to family
Sibling’s role in caring for autistic family member questioned
NTA and calling out parents’ crocodile tears
Parent of disabled child defends parents of autistic brother. NAH.
Is it about you or your brother?
Empathetic comment acknowledges difficult situation, offers hope and blessings.
Caring for a dependent can be draining, try communicating your needs
Having a sibling with chronic health issues can be tough , but it’s okay to prioritize your own needs .
Supportive comment calling out misgendering and recommending book for readers.
Encouraging reply suggests normal Christmas with family, offers hope for future.
Suggests quality time for daughter and parents to bond.
Concern for brother’s future and need for more resources. NTA
Putting him in a facility could save their family
Concerned commenter worries about brother’s future care.
Compassionate comment acknowledges both sides, suggests seeking support services.
Suggests discussing long term care solutions for autistic brother.
Growing up with an autistic sibling can be painful. NAH.
Navigating a tough family situation with empathy and boundaries
It’s okay to prioritize your own needs sometimes
Unconditional love not enough? NAH, it’s okay to distance yourself. ♀️
Importance of empathy and understanding in familial relationships
Blaming parents for taking care of their neurodivergent child? YTA
Empathetic comment acknowledges tough decision to leave parents in distress.
A heartfelt NTA comment that offers empathy and hope
Parenting a child with autism can be overwhelming, but don’t neglect your other children.
Empathetic commenter reminds daughter to give parents a chance
A thoughtful suggestion about autism and family dynamics
OP may be TA for rejecting Mum’s effort
Be there for your parents, even if it’s just being present
Navigating family dynamics can be tough ♀️
Daughter feels neglected by parents due to autistic brother ESH
Parent of autistic child and sibling offers support to overwhelmed daughter ❤️
Mother empathizes with daughter’s situation, wishes for a normal life
A compassionate and relatable perspective on growing up with a sibling with severe intellectual disabilities.
Open communication is key to resolving complex family dynamics
User calls out the original commenter for being a brat
Empathetic response to daughter feeling neglected by parents’ responsibilities.
User calls out OP for poor communication with their mom
NTA defends against pressure to take care of autistic sibling
