Kids With Autism And Sibling Rivalry: How To Cope With Autistic Family Members

When a family member is diagnosed with autism, there is a vast amount of information teaching parents how to cope with the autistic child, and there is also information for parents about dealing with the autistic child’s different behaviors. However, there are fewer learning tools for those who have an autistic sibling, even though this is a very stressful situation for brothers and sisters of an autistic child.

There are situations where parents are so involved in preparing themselves and their autistic child for the transition ahead that they forget that their other children must also deal with the new situation. Often, siblings of an autistic child may feel the new situation acutely. They may feel neglected by parents or jealous of the autistic child who is now receiving more attention.

Besides, an autistic patient’s family members may find their peers constantly teasing them about having an autistic sibling, which can lead to more stress. This may lead to behavioral issues, with the sibling acting out and becoming a “problem child” in order to receive attention. In some cases, the sibling may even try to hurt the autistic brother or sister in an attempt to remove him from the family environment.

The following tips can help children cope with an autistic sibling.

1. Find an autism support group. One way for siblings to cope with their autistic brother or sister is to find autism support groups. There should be resources available at the local chapter of the Autism Society of America in locating these groups. Also searching for national autism association or center for autism and related disorders will yield helpful resources. This is especially important in helping siblings feel that they are not alone and isolated in this unfolding situation—others are dealing with the same sorts of problems.

2. Increase family interaction. Family with autistic patients should learn to schedule regular family days or family nights each week, where all children can spend time with parents or other family members and share their day or week experiences and any problems. The best thing to remember is to be open about how you are feeling. If children feel that their parents are neglecting some aspect of their life, simply asking them for a moment of their time is often the best solution.

It is important that in handling kids with autism on the family parents should be understanding towards the other children’s needs for attention, whether they are autistic or not. Communication is the key to helping the entire family run smoothly.

Autism Today has various tools and resources to help you manage an autistic situation in the family. Visit Autism Today now.