Sibling relationships and Autism

Keynotes: For families of children with autism, concerns between sibling relationships, autism awareness, charities

Read time: 2 minutes

Caring for a child with autism can be challenging and as a result, siblings may feel like they receive less attention and are dismissed. They may feel their autistic sibling gets preferential treatment which can lead to resentment, anger and frustration. Perhaps they also want to have more attention from their parents. Although this is not intentional, as a parent, if we place ourselves in a child’s shoes, it is understandable why they may feel this way. In addition to this, for young children observing challenging behaviours (as discussed in the challenging behaviours blog), this can be confusing and distressing if they are not sure why they occur.

Therefore, understanding ways to bridge this gap is important, as if left unmanaged this can lead to behavioural challenges with siblings.

How can we bridge this gap?

Autistic traits vary across the spectrum and siblings may not have a clear understanding of what autism is and how it affects an autistic child. Therefore, fostering a home environment so that siblings are aware of this can help build their understanding which could help reduce the resentment they may feel towards an autistic sibling.

Approaches to do this:

• Create an environment so children feel comfortable to ask questions they have about autism
• Using resources such as videos and story books explaining what autism is
• Explain how autism affects your child/ their sibling specifically and the characteristics they have in a way the child can understand

In addition to this, scheduling times for neurotypical children to spend with their parents can also contribute to decreased resentment and help the sibling to feel more noticed.

A common concern for parents is sibling relationships with the autistic sibling. This is due to concerns over communication and interactions. Although this a rightful concern, siblings can bond in multiple ways, and this can be encouraged by parents being involved in play time with both the autistic and neurotypical children. Furthermore, having an autistic sibling has been shown to be a very positive experience for siblings in which they can both learn from each other such as learning new skills and understanding the importance of diversity.

Attached below are links to charities that support families with autistic children:
Home - Sibs – a charity focused on brothers and sisters of children and adults with disabilities, this charity also has events for siblings of people with autism (Confident Caring programme - Sibs)

About Contact- a charity supporting families of autistic people.

Resources used:
Siblings | Autism Central

Family relationships - a guide for siblings of autistic people (autism.org.uk)