April is Autism Awareness month so we’re featuring several autism-related posts. Today’s post is a very special one. It’s from the unique perspective of Sarah DeMonia, an elementary school girl whose older sister was diagnosed with autism at age two. Sarah’s mom, Lori DeMonia is the author of Leah’s Voice and Love for Logan, two Mom’s Choice Award-winning children’s books dealing with autism.

The piece below is was originally written by Sarah as an essay for her school, but she made some edits for our blog. We are publishing the text that Sarah sent us in full and without our own edits. It’s touching to read this tale in her own words. What follows is a story of admiration for a compassionate teacher and a lovely sister.

My Sister, Miss Bartholomew, and Me
by Sarah DeMonia

My sister Leah had Miss Bartholomew for 4^th grade. When my dad went to her parent conference he found out that Miss Bartholomew asked to have my sister in her class. This made my mom and dad very happy. Why? Because my sister has autism.

Sarah DeMonia

My sister had her best year at school. Miss Bartholomew helped Leah make friends. Her friends even asked Leah to be in the 4^th grade talent show on the last day of school. I watched her dance in the show and she was great. My mom got to see it too and it made her cry. I think she was surprised that Leah did so good and that she had friends to help her.

My sister’s new friends came to Leah’s very first birthday party. Miss Bartholomew came too. It was so much fun. My sister wanted her friends to keep each others presents. She has such a big heart. I liked seeing my sister so happy. My mom and dad were happy for Leah too. Because she had friends that liked her for who she is.

I was so excited when I found out I was going to have Miss Bartholomew for 4^th grade too. When I needed someone to talk to she would always listen. She let me talk to the class about autism. I want people to learn what autism is. Kids with autism are awesome. My essay for school was called Puzzled About Autism? I wrote that I like kids with autism because they do things their own way, they make you cheerful, and they have a big heart.

I wanted to tell everyone about our teacher Miss Bartholomew because she is a good role model for everyone. She helped me and my sister so much. She showed kids how to treat my sister. I think that makes her very special.

Sarah DeMonia & Miss Bartholomew

More about Lori and Sarah DeMonia
Lori DeMonia is a two-time Mom’s Choice Award-winning author. Read about how she found inspiration for her children’s books in Sarah’s relationship with her sister here.

Check out our list of must-have products for Autism Awareness Month!

Please tell us about your own experience with siblings with autism in the comments below!