Becoming a Big Brother to an ASD boy.

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I'm thinking of becoming a Big Brother to an ASD boy.
This is what Big Brothers is for those unfamiliar with it:
http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6 ... 6/Home.htm

I had two big brothers myself growing up. So I know what's involved from that aspect. I know I was probably difficult for them. I'm sure they had no way of completely understanding me, which lead to a falling out with the first one (from age 9 to 12).

I'm wondering if it's a good idea. I'd hate to start something like that and have it fail. When I commit myself to something I stay committed. I know I would've benefited greatly if had had a big brother who understood how I ticked better. Not that the two I had were duds, but there was an awful lot of misunderstandings. I'm sure we can all relate to that.

Anyways, I dunno, I just kind of had an epiphany or whatever and thought I'd toss it out there. Any thoughts? Any experiences with a big brother to an ASD kid, either personal or known of?

(Before anyone asks, I do have experience with kids who are relatives. One of whom I day-cared for several years. And yes, I know I might have to deal with meltdowns.)

Well, given that you're on the spectrum, you'll probably have an easier time of it.

I haven't been a Big Sister, but I have been a volunteer for programs with autistic participants, and I've found I'm quite good at it. I personally feel like autistic social interaction seems more like a different culture than a simple impairment, because I can read autistic kids way better than NTs can.

Try regardless of the fear that you'll fail, In the best case you could change a life or two or more, and in the worst possible outcome youll have tried to help autistic children, simple as that

I hosted korean students one year, it was great. I learned way more from them than they did from us.

Could you elaborate on that? What sort of programs? What should I look for to get involved with something like that? There's good chance that there aren't any autistic kids who've been enrolled in the Big Brothers program in my area, so some kind of program like you're talking about might be my only option along those lines.

I know from personal experience there's a trial period. I remember being taken out by at least one guy who probably said "pass", but in that instance I don't remember being any the wiser of it. The only thing I'd worry about so to speak is the kid somehow feeling rejected if it didn't work out. I remember the day when my first BB was supposed to show up, I was standing outside looking for him and then was told he had to cancel for that day, and becoming really upset. But he was good enough to swing by a for a quick visit to make up for it. I just know how easy it can be to shatter an autistic kid emotionally, which ironically is what he ended up doing three years later. Was I ever a wreck. My mom was a real spitfire, I can only imagine how severely she laid into him over the phone after his wife dropped me off that day.

Well you're right in that you could cause damage emotionally but so could the slightest change in the childs routine or anything else for that matter. You probably stand far higher chances of doing some good, you're doing this for sincere reasons unlike so many of the BB's there are. you're not doing it just because daddy wasnt there and you feel you have to prove you're not him. you're not there because you think chicks dig it. I mean you could be doing what homer simpson was doing and still have a positive effect

Hey wait a minute, hold the phone, you might be on to something here...

Well, I called the Big Bro office located where I'm moving to, to asking if they even had autistic kids in the program and they gave me a very enthusiastic, "Yes we do! and they're hard to place". I was asked if I had experience working with autistic kids and told them no, but I was an autistic kid, and that seemed to really intrigue them. They're like, "when can you start?!" So I'm stoked

It's nice getting to a point in my life where instead of always feeling the need of guidance, I'm feeling the need to be a guide.

I've been working with/been a friend of a boy with an ASD since 09 or so and it's great. Lots of fun.

I've worked together with other autistic children too but usually only as an aide during school or during school holidays when parents placed their autistic children into sorts of daycare programs for normal students that would allow a tiny percentage of students with special needs to participate too.

Best you try it out and see for yourself if it suits you or not. Good luck!

Sounds like you know what it's all about and are well suited to giving it a try, so, try!