Simone Abrahamsohn, residing in Toronto, shared her experience of becoming her big brother’s primary caregiver after losing her mom this summer. Balancing this newfound responsibility with fostering a harmonious living arrangement for two neurodivergent middle-aged siblings has been a journey for her.

Her brother Stuart, who is autistic and a left-brain stem stroke survivor, requires specialized care, including assistance with daily activities due to his physical limitations and emotional sensitivity to loud noises. Simone reminisced about their childhood, where Stuart’s behaviors sometimes led to misunderstandings and hurtful comments from others.

Despite their differences, Simone revealed her own struggles with ADHD and the effort she puts into masking her symptoms to create a smoother environment for both herself and Stuart. She acknowledged the lack of support in their childhood, which pushed her to distance herself from her brother’s experiences.

Now, as Stuart’s roommate, Simone aims to be more present and attentive, fostering a deeper connection with him. She highlighted the importance of giving him autonomy and involving him in decision-making processes, such as choosing takeout meals when she’s too tired to cook.

Although sacrifices have been made, like giving up acting classes to prioritize caring for Stuart, Simone is committed to creating a supportive and understanding living situation for both siblings. She expressed gratitude for the second chance to be a better sibling to Stuart in their adulthood.