siblings perspective By Erin Boaz
Meet
Braylee
& Dawson
Vicari
Braylee and Dawson Vicari have a very special bond that started 15 years ago. She brings a beautiful perspective of what it is like to be a sibling of a special needs brother. Did you know that in 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) wrote that one in 54 children are diagnosed with Autism? This data was collected in 2016. I think we can safely say that most people recognize the different dynamics autism can bring to a family. This month we are featuring the sibling perspective of Braylee Vicari and how her life has changed for the better because of her special needs brother, Dawson. It will highlight the impact Dawson has had on Braylee, the fun memories shared, challenges that have been overcome and the best part of being a sister to a child with special needs. Braylee is 15 years old and a tenth grader at Hamilton Southeastern High School (HSE). Dawson, 17 years old, is her big brother. He also attends HSE and is a senior this year. Dawson was diagnosed with Autism and Epilepsy around the age of 5. To complete their family, they have two younger siblings, Jeryn and LaNia. Jeryn, 13 years old, and LaNia, 12 years old, both attend Hamilton Intermediate High School. They live in Hamilton County and call iTown their home church. Dawson is also nonverbal, which for most people, makes it hard to connect or communicate. Not for Braylee. She explains that because of their special bond, they are able to communicate without words. How many 15-year-olds get to experience that type of relationship where words aren’t needed? Braylee shares that it doesn’t come without its challenges though. She is inspired by how he deals with the obstacles he is faced with and considers his greatest difficulties to be are communication and social interaction. One way Dawson’s way of being has impacted her life, especially during her high school years, is showing her how to be her true, authentic self. High school comes with different types of peer pressure. Dawson is a humbling example of what it means to be your true self. He has this ability to not be bothered by what other people think. He doesn’t react to the comments or opinions of others like typical teenagers do. He seems at peace with who he is.
24 Special Needs Living • January 2021
