Things You'll Need:
- A sibling of a child with autism.
-
Step 1
Make sure that the siblings of kids with autism fully understand just what autism is.
The siblings need to understand their brother or sister's unique needs. They need to understand why their sibling does some of the things they do. If there is a special communication system in place, they need to know how to use it. Knowledge and understanding of their sibling's autism will explain and help them to understand the family dynamics much better. It will also allow them to be much more involved in the support systems and to feel needed and appreciated. -
Step 2
Make sure that the activities of the siblings do not get cut.
Sometimes kids with autism have needs that can really impact family activities. They may be intent on the television so that it is hard for other family members to use it. They may make it hard to let friends of the siblings visit or stay over. Their needs may make going out in public hard. The family may have to leave public places, like games or activities early. Even the best efforts of parents of kids with autism may not be enough to completely combat these situations. However, the sibling should not have to lose out on activities because of these situations. They will need to be able to have friends over and to participate in activities regardless. Try to find way to make sure that they do not feel punished because of the siblings' difficulties. -
Step 3
Give one-on-one time with parents to the siblings of kids with autism.
Often this may seem almost impossible. After all, one-on-one time should be undivided time to focus just on that child. That may not be realistic though unless there is another parent or adult to take care of the child with autism. Local service agencies (MHMR is one) often provide respite care for the family. They may not advertise this, but ask for it. MHMR will sometimes pay for the care even though the family has to actually find the person to provide the care. Perhaps an extended family member or friend who knows the child with autism and understands their needs would do it. They would get paid, your child would be attended to and you would have a much needed respite to focus on other family members. -
Step 4
Help the siblings of kids with autism to connect to other siblings.
Often they can be a real source of support. It helps them to feel that they are not alone in their situation. One way to make that connection is through parent support groups where they can connect to the non-autistic children of other parents in the group. There are also some great books written on this subject. There are also a few websites run by and devoted to the siblings of kids with autism. -
Step 5
Monitor siblings of kids with autism very closely for signs of distress.
Monitor them closely for signs of frustration, stress, or other feelings. Talk to them. Beef up their support system if you begin to see those signs. If needed, have them evaluated to make sure that you know exactly what is going on. -
Step 6
Connect to all of the service providers you can.
This may be extended services from your local school district (summer services and in-home supports), MHMR services, therapy and supports that are sometimes covered by insurance, even the state department of health (I have seen them go into the home to help provide supports even though some people may not think of them in that capacity). Some of the services those agencies can provide will really help to ease the strain on the whole family, siblings included.
Comments
edieness said
on 7/10/2009 My neice has autism, great 5* article.