Siblings

A guide for parents of children and young people with Autism

Having a sibling with Autism can be a challenge. Your child may experience the following:

They might say that it’s unfair that They might feel jealous of They may be worried
their sibling gets more attention, other children who have about the future
or can ‘get away with more’ siblings without needs

They might feel uncomfortable They might feel angry and

or embarrassed about their protective when others don’t
sibling’s behaviour understand their sibling

What can you do to help?

Try to spend time as a Explain to your child Explain that sometimes the
family but also give what Autism is and how rules have to be a bit different
separate time to each child it affects their sibling for people with Autism

Teach your child some strategies they can
use when their relationship with their
d e.g. spending some time
sibling is tough,
doing their favourite activity on their
own, or talking to a friend.
The sibling might benefit from some time
away from the family every now and then,
either for a day or a short break. This could
be with extended family, friends or other
people in a similar situation.

Try to find common interests Autism awareness teaching in

so the siblings can spend time Suggest that siblings keep
school can help children and young explanations to friends
together doing things they people to understand the
both enjoy, e.g. swimming. short and direct.
differences associated with Autism.

For more information:

https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism/life-at-home/supporting-siblings

https://devoncarers.org.uk/am-i-a-carer/young-carers-2/

https://researchautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/OAR_TeenSiblingsResource-1.pdf