Supporting Siblings: Helping the Whole Family Succeed 1 Step at a Time
Supporting Siblings is important in many different aspects. Every child has a family system regardless of any diagnosis they may receive. Autism is no different. When children grow, learn, and change, everyone surrounding them feels it. Routines are adjusted, support types are evolved, and siblings can often feel a variety of emotions including; love, pride, curiosity, confusion, and even sometimes frustration.
At Ujala Life, we understand that autism doesn’t only affect one person, it involves the entire family. That’s why we believe supporting siblings is an important part of helping each child thrive. When siblings feel seen, valued, and informed, the entire family becomes stronger.
Understanding the Sibling Experience
Siblings of children with autism often have their own unique experiences that can help shape their understanding of the world. There may be times where they feel proud and protective of their sibling, or times that they feel overlooked or unsure of how to connect.
Parents naturally devote significant time and energy to therapy sessions, appointments, and care routines. For siblings, this can sometimes give the feeling of living in the background. Many are curious about autism but may not fully understand why their sibling has different experiences or learns uniquely.
The good news is that with the right method supporting siblings often develop remarkable empathy, resilience, and patience. By helping them feel included and supported, families can strengthen the bonds that help everyone grow together.
Supporting Siblings at Home
- Create space for open conversations
Encourage siblings to share their thoughts and feelings whenever they feel them. It is normal to have questions, or different emotions, about their sibling’s needs and behaviors. Use age-appropriate language to explain autism and help them to better understand that everyone’s brain can work a little differently. This can help to ease the confusion and build compassion.
- Give them one-on-one time
Having dedicated attention, even for just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. This could be reading a story, going on a walk, or even getting a snack. Small moments like these help to show they are just as appreciated as their sibling. This is a reminder that their needs matter too.
- Include them in the journey
Involve siblings in positive, simple ways. Include them in celebrations for therapy milestones, join in for playtime activities, or even learn some basic ABA strategies to encourage connection. Including them helps reduce feelings of separation and builds understanding throughout the shared experiences.
- Recognize their feelings
Siblings may sometimes feel frustrated, jealous, or confused, and that’s okay. Acknowledging those emotions without judgement helps children process them in healthy ways. Let them know it’s normal to have complicated feelings while also teaching empathy and perspective.
- Foster sibling bonding
Plan activities that everyone can enjoy, even if it is different for each child. Shared experiences and laughter can build stronger emotional bonds. Whether it’s a board game, an outdoor adventure, or a family movie night, what matters most is the time spent together.
How ABA Can Support the Whole Family
ABA therapy isn’t only about support for the child receiving services, strengthening the whole family is just as important. ABA professionals can help parents and siblings learn different strategies to help with communication, positive interactions, and to make playtime more enjoyable for everyone.
Family participation in therapy helps create consistency across home and clinical settings. The family dynamic will become more tight knit when everyone understands the support and reinforcement to help the child grow.
Encouraging Growth for Every Family Member
Every family member will learn and grow as the autism journey continues. Siblings develop empathy, parents gain patience, and children with autism will grow in a nurturing environment. Supporting siblings ensures they feel empowered, understood, and connected.
At Ujala Life, we know that when families thrive together, every child will have the best chance to reach their potential. Our compassionate, science-based approach focuses not only on skill-building but also on family well-being, because thriving doesn’t happen alone.
At Ujala Life, we support the whole family, one step, one session, and one success at a time.
