With the amount of time parents spend teaching and re-teaching, taking our kids to therapy and doctor appointments, and managing behavior, it may appear that all our time and attention may be given to the sibling with autism. It is common for siblings to experience a wide range of feelings toward and about the family member with autism.

Acknowledge the feelings and concerns they have toward their sibling. This could include guilt, jealousy, isolation, a need for information, and future care giving. These feelings may change over time, check in with them often.

Have high expectations for everyone, but also realistic ones. Some children with a sibling with autism feel they have to exceed parental expectations to make up for their sibling. And high expectations for children with autism will benefit everyone in the family.

Each sibling, whether having autism or not, should have opportunities to meet peers and develop relationships outside of the home. Allow them to develop self-determination and independence.

Individual time with parents is just as important for siblings as time amongst peers, time alone, or family time. Siblings need to know they are just as important as the sibling with autism. Individual time with parents is just as important for siblings as time amongst peers, time alone, or family time. Siblings need to know they are just as important as the sibling with autism.