Should I be worried about this?

[Frasersmum123]

I went to DS1's parents evening last night, and all his work was in his tray for me to look through while I am waiting. I was looking at some pieces he had written about himself, his family, pets, fave foods etc.

He had written about three or four pieces on the same theme, and in each one he doesnt mention his brother, just his mum, dad and sister in his family - he even mentions his pets, but nothing about DS2, who we suspect is on the spectrum.

When I mentioned it he got really upset and started crying, saying that he hadnt missed his brother out and I must be wrong.

They are very different to each other. DS1, who is 8 is very outgoing, extrovery and a little OTT sometimes, never sits still and loves noise, whereas DS2 is completely opposite, and doesnt take kindly to DS1's craziness, in so much that he avoids him and backs away from him.

I didn't think that DS1 had picked up on DS2's indifference, especially as DD who is a baby, loves his craziness and is always giggling away with him.

Bumping for you.
I cannot help you, but I think someone with knowledge of psychology might be able to explain the significance of this.
Have you thought of posting this in another MN seccion? I think it must have some sort of meaning to be honest.

Dd1(AS) did a similar thing at christmas, she made a card with her family on the front, she drew mummy, daddy, dd1 and the dog (no dd2). I wasn't too worried, dd2 is also on the spectrum and bacause she is non-verbal can easily be forgoton by a 4 year old, bacause dd2 has ASD they tend not to play together. Dd1 loves dd2 and will stick up for her if she has too (eg, if another child took her toy).
I wouldn't worry about it TBH.

I do not think you have anything to worry about. If you suspect DS1 to be on the spectrum then these patterns of behaviour are relatively normal.

"The critical issue in the identification of ASD in early childhood is recognition of impairment in socialization. The child with ASD often has difficulty forming, maintaining and expanding relationships.
This is reflected by problems in reading social cues including tone of voice, inflection, intensity, facial expression, body language and social setting, and the child being unaware of others and their social circumstances."

He seems at some points to be 'unaware' of DS2's existance. Its not something to worry about as he has not forgotton his little brother.
The ways in which the brain of a child wth Autism works is hard for another person without Autism to understand.

"A frequent hallmark of ASD is restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviors seen in non-functional and poor imaginative play:

A child with ASD does not play like a typical child.
Toys are often not used for their intended purpose, but usually for a repetitive, mechanical, tactile exploration with lack of imagination.
The child's anxiety and need for repetition or ritualistic behavior are frequently evident during play.
Impairment in verbal and non-verbal communication may be noted when efforts
at communication are different from typical children, for example;
The child shows poorly developed or inconsistent attention to others. The child may not look to people for approval, look at other people?s faces while trying to communicate or talk, point to objects and look where others have pointed, or acknowledge when spoken to.
The child does not understand what is said to him/her consistent with what is expected for the child?s age.

"The child shows poorly developed or inconsistent attention to others." something your DS1 is experiencing.

He gets upset when you have mentioned that he has not included his brother in the stories. This is because he knows that his brother is there. He Knows that his little brother is someone he loves and recognises. Its just sometimes his brain chooses to not recognise it.

I hope this helps.

Don't be disheartened by the so called 'forgetfulness' or 'lack of attention towards DS1'. Its simply a way in which his brain works.

I also wonder did the teacher at parents evening mention these stories?

Thanks Chellesgirl. I dont think DS1 is on the spectrum (sorry I didnt make it clear) but DS2 is.

Oh ok. Well from that point of view, I would think DS1 is picking up on the fact that DS2 is not as outgoing as him. Therefore he sees him as 'different'. Children have a wierd sense on picking up on feelings and emotions held by other children.
mybe he's feeling a little overwhelmed or unheard.
No suggesting you do not talk nor listen but maybe he does not know how to express his feelings about DS2.I recon that with him being 8yrs old hes at that age where life doesnt make sense and he could even be worried about DS2 sometimes but not know how to tell people. So therfore he could be writing this story as if he was annoyed at DS2 for being 'different' or even feeling like DS2 doesnt want to be part of the family as he is not as outgoing etc...
Children have really funny ways in which they show whats going on in thier minds.

Have you taken DS1 to a counciller or someone that can explain autism to him in a child's way.This could really help him.

counselor, sorry!