A Rising College Student’s Extraordinary Path alongside her Autistic Brother
In this interview, Sabrina Yeh, a rising college freshman, opens up about growing up with her autistic brother, her fascination for psychology, and her accomplishments along the way. Let’s celebrate Sabrina’s incredible sibling bond and inspiring contribution to the special needs community!
Can you share your personal journey and unique experiences as a sibling of an autistic child?
Sabrina: Ever since my brother was born, our relationship has never been like the typical sibling relationship. To be specific, I’m almost like a “second mom” to my brother, always making sure he drinks enough water and takes frequent bathroom breaks. To this day, I teach my brother skills such as tying his shoelaces and discipline him when he misbehaves.
What was your reaction when you first discovered your brother was autistic?
Sabrina: When I first discovered my brother was autistic, I had no idea what the word “autism” entailed at the age of 10. However, after taking my AP Psychology class and being interested in how my brother’s brain works, I have realized that his autism is truly a blessing because he inspired me to find my true passion of helping the special needs population.
As a child, how did you feel about your parents’ potentially different treatment towards you versus your brother?
Sabrina: As a child, I did not notice the apparent differences between the level of attention my parents gave me versus my brother. Now that I am older and begin to reflect on these differences, I am thankful instead of being jealous because I wholeheartedly believe that my brother needs and deserves the special care he receives from his loved ones, including me.
How has your relationship with your sibling influenced your decision to pursue a psychology major in college?
Sabrina: Having an autistic brother, I’ve always been interested in why he acts differently than his peers. Learning about the intricate structures of the brain and its functions in my AP Psychology course helped me comprehend his disorder on an in-depth, scientific level. Eager to dive deeper into the aspects of our unique sibling dynamic, I designed, researched, and published a research paper regarding the impact of sibling interactions on autistic children, which contributed to my decision to pursue psychology in college.
What inspired you to start your high school club, Care for Hope, and how did it support special needs organizations?
Sabrina: My direct experiences with my brother motivated me to start a club at my school called Care for Hope in hopes of building a connection between the special needs community and my peers. Many people do not know what it is like to live with special needs kids, so interacting with them and teaching them can be a good way to open their eyes to unfamiliar experiences. Care for Hope is focused on giving back to special needs organizations by providing volunteering services and fundraising. We also organize professional workshops to educate and train special needs families and club members.
Could you share some memorable moments or success stories from your involvement with Care for Hope?
Sabrina: Even the little moments such as a club member saying a simple “Hi” to a special needs student in the school hallway warms my heart. After training numerous volunteers who have had little-to-no experience with special needs individuals, I find it inspiring to be able to witness the first-hand effects of my school club by seeing them step out of their comfort zone and become increasingly comfortable with the kids. Whether it’s helping special needs children make cards for Mother’s Day or listening to a 25-year-old jolly guy with Down Syndrome sing Christmas carols on a Saturday afternoon, every moment is cherished and appreciated with these special individuals.
What advice would you give to other siblings of special needs children who may be struggling or looking for ways to support their siblings and make a difference?
Sabrina: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and reach out to others who are going through similar situations as you. Try to designate specific times to spend time with your sibling, and don’t forget to reflect on how your unique experiences have helped you grow as a person! Both the joyful and sorrowful times are all critical moments in your life that have contributed to who you are as a person today.
Can you share any future plans or aspirations you have for your involvement in the field of psychology and supporting special needs individuals?
Sabrina: As a passionate special needs advocate, I will be starting college at George Washington University this fall as a psychological and brain sciences major on the pre-occupational therapy track. Once I become an occupational therapist, I would love to work with different populations, from children to elders, and maybe even own an allied health private practice with unique therapies!
