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Diagnose my sibling

83 replies

moneyMathy · 07/01/2024 08:43

I have an older brother who is 40. He studied for his phd until a few years ago and has done very well academically. He is now on a 6 figure salary and is liked at work. If relevant, DH and I are also on a 6 figure salary.

Our parents live abroad and are retired. They are asset-rich but cash poor as they now rely on their pension as their only source of income. Until this year, our parents have always paid for his tickets to come visit or for any holidays. For his last visit, his paid for his own tickets but took absolutely no money with him. He also refused to use his card locally. So, my parents paid for everything including his visit to the dentist, the doctor, blood tests etc.

Our parents gave both of us money for a house deposit. My brother has over £300k in savings. He lives is a house share with other men. He does not drive or own a car. He speaks to my father several times a day - when he wakes up, during his breaks, after work, before going to bed etc. He has no friends.

Why is it my issue? As my parents are getting older, there is more and more pressure on me to assume some "take care of him". A few years ago, I organised a holiday for the family and he was supposed to pay me back for his share. He never did as I "would not miss the money". Every time we go out for lunch, I have to pay the bill. My parents constantly ask me to buy him things.

If money was an issue, I would absolutely pay for things. However, money is not an issue for him. He has more disposable income than I do.

Is he just tight or does he have some undiagnosed issues?

OP posts:
moneyMathy · 09/01/2024 11:43

Marynotsocontrary · 09/01/2024 11:39

What's your take on it OP?
You're the one who knows him.
Do you think he has undiagnosed issues?

It's either that he is autistic or he is so smart that he is playing everyone.

He's taking advantage of my parents but they are letting him.

OP posts:
Marynotsocontrary · 09/01/2024 11:46

Well, has he been like this all his life?
Unlikely to be an act if so imho.

Cantalever · 09/01/2024 11:49

The bit about not opening gifts from their wrapping but using your things instead - I have seen this with someone who developed severe OCD as they could not bear to risk contaminating the valued things, so did not use them. This is not the right place to diagnose someone, but could this be an issue for your DB? As he is so enmeshed with your DF, he needs therapy anyway. Has he considered it?
Definitely draw your boundaries with parents - why do they know about the financial situation of you and your DH? Its none of their business, and they cannot start deciding on your spending. Stop discussing your money with them. Distance yourself a little and let the three of them sort their issues out.

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moneyMathy · 09/01/2024 11:55

Marynotsocontrary · 09/01/2024 11:46

Well, has he been like this all his life?
Unlikely to be an act if so imho.

Good point, he has been like this all his life.

OP posts:
moneyMathy · 09/01/2024 11:56

Cantalever · 09/01/2024 11:49

The bit about not opening gifts from their wrapping but using your things instead - I have seen this with someone who developed severe OCD as they could not bear to risk contaminating the valued things, so did not use them. This is not the right place to diagnose someone, but could this be an issue for your DB? As he is so enmeshed with your DF, he needs therapy anyway. Has he considered it?
Definitely draw your boundaries with parents - why do they know about the financial situation of you and your DH? Its none of their business, and they cannot start deciding on your spending. Stop discussing your money with them. Distance yourself a little and let the three of them sort their issues out.

DB needs therapy but it's not my place really.

I need my own boundaries and to protect myself for now.

OP posts:
Marynotsocontrary · 09/01/2024 14:06

I think you've answered your own question OP. He most likely does have undiagnosed issues.

If so, I don't know what needs to be done as your parents grow older, but they need to think about it. It's possible or even likely he will still need some sort of extra support when they are no longer able to provide it. That is what you are afraid of I think.

Disability is hard on siblings, it's hard on everybody. I wouldn't be too hard on your parents for indulging him either. His needs are clearly different to yours. Many people of his age and with his abilities remain undiagnosed.

Your parents shouldn't keep subsidising him now though. The start of a process of change perhaps.

Serencwtch · 09/01/2024 19:13

No one here can diagnose him but does sound similar to my own brother who was diagnosed with autism as an adult.

WellFinch · 09/01/2024 19:24

My observation is why the hell does everyone know about each others financials. Back off and just let them get on with it and do not pay for anythjng for your brother.

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