ADITYA TYAGI

With My Brother
Overview
Growing up, I was a daily support for my younger brother, who is on the autism spectrum. After school, I helped him with homework, heated and fed his meals, assisted with bathroom needs, and practiced coping and communication skills. Calming him when he got frustrated or repeated himself through echolalia pushed my patience, left me exhausted and frustrated, and sometimes tested my own self-control.
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Being there for my younger brother, who is on the autism spectrum, wasn’t always easy or immediately rewarding. It pushed me to find patience I didn’t know I had, resilience when things fell apart, and empathy that goes beyond words. I learned to navigate overwhelming responsibilities, accept imperfection, and keep trying even when I felt like I was failing. Being part of his journey has helped me see the world with more kindness, taught me to celebrate even the small wins, and shown me how unique strengths shine when nurtured with empathy. These lessons have shaped how I care for others, show up in their most frustrating moments, and the kind of physician I hope to become.
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My brother and I during a Christmas celebration wearing Indian traditional clothes and surrounded by the American community that shapes who I am