Jamaal's Story

My brother Tariq is eleven and he is autistic. Our mum works two jobs to keep us going, so a lot of Tariq's care falls to me. I am nineteen. I make his breakfast the way he likes it — no crusts, everything separate on the plate. I walk him to school and make sure his routine stays the same, because any change can trigger a meltdown.

People my age are at university or starting jobs. I am doing both — studying part-time at the University of Bedfordshire while being Tariq's main carer in the evenings. It is a juggling act that does not leave much room for a social life.

The young adult carers group at Carers in Luton has been brilliant. They helped me apply for a bursary for my studies and connected me with a mentor who was in a similar situation. Knowing that other people are navigating the same path — that makes it feel less impossible.