How the Israeli occupation further isolates autistic children

The first time I truly saw the world through my sister's eyes was in Ramallah. 

Growing up with a neurodivergent sibling, I deeply sympathised with her struggles, but there was always a barrier: I couldn't live in her world because I didn't have access to it. I simply tried to help her in any way I could. 

This changed when my family and I made the decision to move to the occupied West Bank from the US in 2021. We desperately needed a change of pace, and the quality of my sister's care was plateauing. 

By moving to Palestine, I would also be able to grow closer to my Palestinian identity, rather than being detached both physically and emotionally, as I had been for most of my life. 

The move itself came with many challenges. While I was adjusting to the new environment, I came to realise that the isolation my sister experiences on a daily basis was something I was experiencing as well. 

Read more:  How the Israeli occupation further isolates autistic children