| Something we have come across regularly is the | | | | having an autistic sibling forces one to "grow up" and |
| difficultly dealing with the issues that our son has with | | | | become responsible. There can be a strong emotional |
| his siblings. We have compiled some interesting | | | | attachment to the autistic sibling and a keen desire to |
| information which we hope will be of some help. | | | | keep him or her safe in all situations. Furthermore, living |
| When a family member is diagnosed with autism, there | | | | with an autistic sibling can teach one to be more open |
| is a vast amount of information teaching parents how | | | | about another person's differences. In this way, having |
| to cope with an autistic child, and there is also | | | | an autistic sibling is a life-enriching experience that |
| information for parents about dealing with an autistic | | | | pushes individuals to be emotionally and mentally |
| child's different behaviors. However, there are fewer | | | | stronger and to be more tolerant towards others in life. |
| learning tools for those who have an autistic sibling, in | | | | One tip for siblings to cope with their autistic brother or |
| fact its almost non existent, even though this is a very | | | | sister is to find a support group. There should be |
| stressful situation for brothers and sisters of an autistic | | | | resources available at the local chapter of the National |
| child. The following tips can help children cope with an | | | | Autism Society in the UK. This is especially important in |
| autistic sibling. | | | | helping siblings feel that they are not alone and isolated |
| It can not be ignored if it is severe due to the risk of | | | | in this unfolding situation-others are dealing with the |
| harming a sibling, but it is possible to manage and does | | | | same sorts of problems. Also, try to increase family |
| get easier as their siblings get older and can | | | | interaction. Schedule a regular family day or family |
| understand more about autism and what it is like for | | | | night each week, where all children can spend time |
| their brother or sister with autism. | | | | with parents or other family members and share their |
| Sometimes parents are so involved in preparing | | | | day or week experiences and any problems. The best |
| themselves and their autistic child for the transition | | | | thing to remember is to be open about how you are |
| ahead that they forget that their other children must | | | | feeling. |
| also deal with the new situation. Often, siblings of an | | | | If children feel that their parents are neglecting some |
| autistic child may feel the new situation acutely. They | | | | aspect of their life, simply asking them for a moment |
| may feel neglected by parents or jealous of the | | | | of their time is often the best solution. It is important for |
| autistic child who is now receiving more attention. Also, | | | | parents to be understanding towards their children's |
| they may find their peers constantly teasing them | | | | needs for attention, whether they are autistic or not. |
| about having an autistic sibling, which can lead to more | | | | Communication is the key to helping the entire family |
| stress. This may lead to behavioral issues, with the | | | | run smoothly. |
| sibling acting out and becoming a "problem child" to | | | | Remember sibling rivalry is also part of growing up and |
| receive attention. In some cases, the sibling may even | | | | can be normal within reason. |
| try to hurt the autistic brother or sister in an attempt to | | | | Our son with autism brings light to all those who are |
| remove him from the family environment. | | | | lucky enough to meet him. |
| However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, | | | | |