Brothers, sisters,

and autism:
a parent’s guide to supporting siblings

ORGANIZATION FOR
AUTISM RESEARCH
Brothers, sisters, and autism
Having children with and without autism comes with a unique set of challenges.
You’re not only faced with doing what’s best for your child with autism, but also
with paying attention to the needs of any brothers or sisters. No matter what you
call them (neurotypical, typically developing, normal, etc.), these siblings are often
dealing with the same struggles and feelings that you do as parents. They, too, feel
a sense of loss, confusion, and frustration – all at a time before they’ve had a chance
to develop comparable coping skills. These future advocates, potential caretakers,
and lifelong friends will establish the longest lasting relationship with your child on
the spectrum. Therefore, they need guidance and support from the start. You’re likely
to find that supporting your children without autism will prove to be a long-term
investment in your child with autism.

The topics addressed in this resource include:

• Strategies and resources to help teach your children about their
sibling with autism
• Ways to address fairness, share attention, and recognize
differences between your children
• Complicated feelings that may come up during family outings,
holidays, play dates, and other special events
• Difficult emotions and situations that your children without
autism may experience, including negative feelings and violent
behavior
• Ways to facilitate bonding, getting along, and time apart
• Testimonials from other autism parents
1. Explaining autism

Why it’s important “Your sibling’s autism…”

An autism diagnosis can be a tricky thing to discuss, When explaining autism to your children, remember
not only for the child diagnosed, but for any siblings to be specific to their sibling’s particular experience.
as well. Kids are the masters of asking “why,” and Siblings who don’t have autism want to know what
they may ask questions about autism (or specific is going on in their brother or sister’s world, so offer
aspects of their sibling’s behavior) before you have all any insight that you can. Try explaining behaviors in
the answers. It’s important to be ready to talk to your terms of the motivation and purpose behind them. For
children about what autism means, even if you think example, if your child with autism ”stims” in a certain
they already understand. You may be surprised at how way (like rocking back and forth, hand flapping, or
little your children actually know. Siblings may pick up repeating noises), explain that they do this to calm
a few pieces of information here and there, but they down or feel safe; it’s just like asking for a hug or
likely have more questions than they do answers. playing on the swings to wind down. Many siblings
wish they had known more about how autism affected
the way their brother or sister felt, saw things, learned,
When should I start? and interacted. While you can’t know the inner
There is no “perfect time” to explain autism to your workings of anyone else’s mind, it’s still a good idea to
other children. However, starting early and revising share whatever perspective you can offer.
these definitions often will ensure that they have a
good understanding of what autism means for their
Siblings might understand their brother or sister’s
sibling. It’s a good idea to talk to kids about their
“unusual” autism behaviors better by comparing
sibling with autism before they enter school or start
them to their own feelings and actions. For example,
having friends over. This will help prepare them for the
if your children without autism get excited, they might
seemingly inevitable question: “What’s up with your
express themselves by telling you just how excited
brother/sister?”
they are. On the other hand, your child with autism
might flap their hands to express the same feelings
Kids will generally need more mature explanations because their brain works differently. Keep these
of their sibling’s autism as they get older. Younger explanations age-appropriate and relevant to your
children are likely to do better with ability-based children’s daily interactions, like behaviors expressed
definitions, accompanied by concrete examples. For during play or mealtime.
instance, try “Your brother just learns a little differently
than you and me, so he needs extra help,” or, “Your
The way your children react towards their brother
sister’s autism means she can’t talk and has trouble
or sister with autism’s “unusual” behaviors will be
playing like you do, but she still loves you very much.”
reflected by their peers and friends. Similarly, your
In contrast, incorporating the term “autism” into your
response is also likely to influence the way your other
explanation may help an older child understand the
children see their sibling. If your children notice
disorder more fully. It is important to periodically check
how accepting and compassionate you are in spite
your children’s understanding of autism, especially as
of difficult circumstances, both towards your child
it pertains to their own sibling. An accurate and age-
with autism and other members of the special needs
appropriate understanding of their sibling’s condition
community, they will be more likely to follow suit.
can help children feel more comfortable when
explaining it to others, interacting with their sibling,
and understanding what their brother or sister is going
through.

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 1. Explaining autism

What siblings wish they knew about

their brother or sister with autism Try these resources for more tips on
growing up: starting a conversation about autism:
• “Autism is not contagious.” Guide for Parents
• “It’s not his choice whether he responds or not. Source: Autism Society of America (ASA)
Also, when he repeats things, he does it for
What it offers: A well-rounded look at specific
comprehension.”
issues that siblings deal with, including emotional
• “The way he acted was not my fault. I thought I was issues, learning about autism, and tips for leading a
doing things to cause his behavior.” healthy family life
• “Some of the things my brother does, he doesn’t do
Link: [Link]
on purpose.”
• “My brother is not the only one who has autism.”
Parent Tips: Explaining Autism Using
Everyday Examples
Source: Pathfinders for Autism, article by Shelly
McLaughlin
What it offers: A reference sheet and framework
for explaining some of the behaviors associated
with autism; it may be especially useful for parents
with children who might not understand why their
sibling does ”weird” things
Link: [Link]

A Sibling’s Guide to Autism

Source: Autism Speaks
What it offers: A guide that explains Autism
Spectrum Disorder to younger children and
contains helpful questions and tips for children first
learning about autism
Link: [Link] and then scroll to
where it says “A Sibling’s Guide to Autism”

2 3
2. Family life

“It’s not FAIR!” Remember that little signs of affection can go a long
way. Taking a second to say something as simple as,
Children in all kinds of families have a unique ability
“I’m so proud of you” can be very meaningful. One-
to sense discrepancies in fairness. From chore
on-one time with you can be a huge boost, but it
distributions to bedtimes, chances are your children
may also sometimes be difficult to schedule. If time is
will be acutely aware of who gets more or less of
short, strive for consistent bits of time each day. Many
something. When a child has autism, the perceived
parents master the art of stealthily manufacturing
unfairness at home can seem monumental to their
personal time with their other children, such as
siblings. To them, special teachers, special toys, and
bringing them along to run errands or buy groceries.
fewer chores are unfair “luxuries” afforded to their
Car time is also a great opportunity for check-ins and
brother or sister with autism.
giving one child your undivided attention. Kids will
eventually come to understand that their sibling with
It’s important to address these frustrations as they autism may require more of your attention, but that
come up. Your children without autism will often does not mean they get more of your love.
need to be reassured that they are just as important
and as loved as their sibling with autism. It may also
help to explain that what appears to be “playtime”
can actually be a lot of hard work for your child with
autism, and probably isn’t as fun as it looks. Try Parents share concerns about
explaining therapy appointments, giving each of your family life:
children one-on-one time, and ensuring that everyone • “Sometimes we don’t do certain activities
does their share of chores (no matter how trivial). together as a family – like taking a boat ride
You may want to remind your child without autism – because of her anxiety, so the family has
that while their sibling has therapists who come to to separate into two groups. That can be
the house and “play,” everyone in the family gets to hard on us as parents.”
participate in their fair share of special activities.
• “We certainly spend a disproportionate
amount of time taking care of his brother,
Sharing your attention which takes time away from him. He has
A big struggle for your children without autism can to be more self-reliant, he has to tolerate
be the feeling that their brother or sister with autism his brother’s outbursts and the lack of
is getting more of your attention. There is likely some understanding about boundaries.”
truth to this, considering that children with autism • “[The] amount of time my son needs takes
often have busy schedules full of appointments, parental attention away from her. She’s had
therapy sessions, and at-home support. Kids don’t to grow up faster.”
always recognize this as their brother or sister with
autism engaging in hard work. Instead, it can appear
as if their sibling just gets more of their parents’ love
and time.

3
 2. Family life

Recognizing differences
For more on fairness and attention: Siblings of children with autism are as diverse as
their brothers and sisters. Each of your children
Giving Siblings Attention will experience having a sibling on the spectrum
Source: Sibs, a UK-based organization in a different way. This experience is influenced
dedicated to helping the siblings of individuals by a variety of factors, such as gender and age
with special needs of all kinds, including autism difference. You may find that your daughter
steps into the nurturing role with ease, while
What it offers: Tips and ideas for parents about your son wants very little to do with his brother
giving their children without autism love and or sister with autism – or vice versa. There is
attention despite the hectic schedule that a sibling also a tendency for younger children to model
with autism brings their behavior on their older sibling, regardless
of whether or not they have autism. It can
Link: [Link] therefore be very difficult for children if they find
themselves getting reprimanded for copying their
Trying to be Fair sibling’s behavior, while their sibling is seemingly
allowed to do as he or she pleases.
Source: Raising Children Network, a parenting
website based in Australia
It’s important for parents to observe and listen
What it offers: Advice on finding fairness and to how each child reacts towards their brother
maintaining balance between your children with or sister with autism. Keep your expectations
autism and their siblings flexible, and try not to assume that one child’s
Link: [Link] reaction will be the same as another’s. While one
child may be more outwardly caring towards
his or her sibling with autism, it may not be as
easy for your other children to feel that kind of
compassion. Ensure that you acknowledge and
validate each child’s feelings. Doing so will help
them work through some of the more challenging
aspects of having a sibling on the spectrum.

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3. Out in public

Embarrassment
It’s natural for siblings to unintentionally embarrass For more tips on family time, going
one another, but when the embarrassment stems out, and embarrassment, check out:
from autism, brothers or sisters may feel conflicted.
I get embarrassed about my sibling on
Your children without autism may not only feel
embarrassed, but also guilty for feeling embarrassed. the spectrum. Help!
They may resent when their brother or sister acts out Source: The Den, a site for individuals on
in public. Stimming, meltdowns, and things that may the spectrum (and their friends and family)
look “odd” to strangers can all be hard for siblings to that provides guidance on social, work,
deal with.
and life issues
What it offers: Advice for siblings on
All families have their quirks, even if some are more
visible than others. Let your children know that it’s how to deal with embarrassment, as well
okay to feel embarrassed. If they feel comfortable as some tips for making outings go as
explaining autism or their sibling’s behaviors to smoothly as possible
strangers, equip them with enough information and Link: [Link]
confidence to do so. Some siblings may even need
guidance on being helpful (rather than defensive)
when talking about autism. Explain to your children Embarrassment (supporting siblings with
that they don’t have to say anything if they are not feelings)
comfortable with it, and that some things don’t require
Source: Sibs, an organization dedicated
an explanation. Some people will be rude or stare, and
it’s okay to ignore them. There will always be people
to helping the siblings of individuals with
who don’t understand, but there are things your special needs of all kinds, including autism
children can control, like their attitude and response. What it offers: Advice for parents
on helping their children deal with
embarrassment; includes information
Siblings talk about embarrassment: about overcoming the feeling of
• “It often makes me feel awkward or nervous embarrassment, finding sources of
because I feel like I have to compensate for embarrassment, and taking preventative
my brother’s lack of social skills. It can also measures
be frustrating because I always have to go
along with him and make sure he’s doing Link: [Link]
alright.”
• “He yells a lot, so when my friends hear, it’s
embarrassing. But mostly, besides the odd
looks, people are understanding.”
• “She has many outbursts and people stare a
lot, but I either tell them to mind their own
business or ignore them because it’s rude to
stare no matter what the situation.”

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 3. Out in public

Special events, holidays, and going out

Having a child with autism means that special For more on events, holidays, and
occasions and outings can be challenging. Your child parties:
may experience sensory issues with surroundings,
struggles in social situations, and difficulties when
Holiday tips for children with autism,
deviating from a routine. Your children without autism siblings
might feel like they can’t enjoy these times because of Source: Eileen Garvin, writing for
their sibling’s behavior or the possibility of a meltdown. Psychology Today
They also may be upset that only a fraction of the
family can be at an occasion because their sibling with What it offers: What parents can do to
autism has something else going on. When one of ensure that all their children have a good
your children has a recital, game, or show, it can be holiday; the writer grew up with a sister
hard to explain that one or both parents can’t attend, who has autism
let alone their sibling with autism.
Link: [Link]

For your children without autism, these types of

occasions are special and it’s important to find ways “Special Times” & “Not Everything as a
they can enjoy them. If holidays tend to get cut short, Family”
maybe they can still enjoy their favorite parts (e.g. Source: Autism Society of America
playing with their cousins early, getting to unwrap
a gift first, or bringing home a piece of cake from
What it offers: The “Special Times” and
the party). When one of your children is performing “Not Everything as a Family” sections
or competing, consider looking into a babysitter outline some ideas for dealing with
or respite care so one or both parents can attend special occasions and outings that may be
the event. There may be times when that’s not a stressful for a child with autism
possibility; in those instances, kindly ask another
parent to digitally record everything so you can watch
Link: [Link]
it together with your child later on.

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Friends and peers
There will come a time when your children without Parents said…
autism have a collision of worlds: when their outside
• “My daughters do not want their brother’s
life (like school and friends) meets their home
autism to be the first thing they tell
life. Bringing friends into life with autism can be a
someone… but they have always judged
challenge, especially the first time someone comes
their friends, and especially boyfriends, by
over for a visit. Some children handle this transition
how they reacted to their brother.”
with ease, while some actively avoid it, even hiding the
fact that they have a sibling with autism from others. • “At the age of four, she defended him to
Sometimes kids will be afraid of being embarrassed by her peers. A couple of boys in her class
their sibling with autism and will avoid having friends made fun of him for his movements and
over altogether. If your children go to the same school, an outburst he was having over a toy he
peers and friends may ask one of your children without couldn’t take. She walked right up to them
autism, “what’s up with your brother/sister?” and said, ‘He’s just a little boy!’ No truer
words have ever been spoken. She ‘gets it’
Parents should address how to deal with peers who more than many adults do.”
ask questions, or even exhibit rude behaviors. School
can be a stressful time for children if they feel judged
for having a sibling who does “weird” things or
requires special attention. Prep them for these kinds
of conversations and help them come up with simple, For more info, check out:
efficient explanations for their peers. They shouldn’t
have to feel defensive about their sibling, but being Growing Up Together: Teens with
able to have a quick, thoughtful dialogue with a friend Autism
or classmate could make it easier for them when
people ask questions. Source: Autism Society of America
What it offers: A guide for teens with
For playdates at home, it might be a good idea to a classmate or a friend who has autism;
establish boundaries, like having your child with autism this could be a useful tool in explaining
play in another room when a sibling’s friend is over. (or getting ideas to explain) autism to
This may be easier said than done, so encourage your
teenagers that addresses ways to be a
children to be open with their friends about what to
expect. More likely than not, your children will end friend and communicate
up with kind, non-judgmental friends, who appreciate Link: [Link]
them and their brother or sister with autism.

What’s up with Nick?

As with any sibling relationship, age can make a big
difference. The teenage years add a new level of Source: Organization for Autism Research
complexity, because peer relationships and social What it offers: A guide for younger
acceptance become increasingly important. As your children (primarily written for a classroom
child with autism enters the later teen years and young
setting) that explains autism in simple
adulthood, they might start to look mature, but their
emotional or intellectual maturity may lag behind. This terms; it also gives suggestions to younger
can be a source of embarrassment for your children children about playing with and talking to
without autism. These are difficult issues that require kids with autism
love, acceptance, and patience on everyone’s part.
Encourage your children to respect their sibling’s
Link: [Link]
difficulties and differences.

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 4. Challenges and feelings
Negative feelings Thinking about the future
Autism comes with a host of feelings that can be As children become older and start to think about
difficult to process. Your children may deal with anger, their future, they may ask questions about where their
resentment, guilt, loss, and many other feelings. They sibling with autism fits. When the time is right, make
may not know how to cope, or may not want to talk sure to involve them in the planning process. Keeping
to you about it for fear of being a burden or sounding an open line of communication will ensure that
negative about their sibling with autism. It is important everyone feels comfortable with any plans that are set
to assure your children that it’s okay to have these in place. If circumstances lead to you being unable to
feelings. Listen to what they have to say, acknowledge care for your child with autism prematurely, the earlier
that their feelings are legitimate, and give suggestions discussions will help your children without autism deal
on how to work through things. Even if it’s something with such situations as they arise.
as harsh sounding as, “I hate my brother!” or “I wish I
didn’t have a sister,” you as a parent should be open If your child with autism will need care in the future, it’s
to these very real feelings and guide your children important that you listen to your other children’s thoughts
through them. concerning the matter. Many parents will find that their
children develop a sense of responsibility towards their
It’s important to keep an open line of communication sibling from a young age; however, some siblings might
between you and your children without autism. You not have given the matter much consideration.
may want to open up opportunities for conversation
by revealing your own struggles and feelings in ways As a parent, the best thing you can do for your
your children can understand and appreciate. Siblings children is to validate their feelings and be supportive
of children with autism often feel more comfortable of the decisions they make regarding their part in
expressing themselves if they know you’re going their brother or sister future. Perhaps one of your
through similar emotions. Also, remind your children children will feel obligated to take responsibility for
that siblings of all kinds have moments when they fight their sibling. They’re also likely to experience guilt if
or don’t get along. Encourage them to accept the they don’t feel confident in their ability or desire to do
difficulties that come with being a sibling of someone so. Whatever the decisions your children make, your
with autism, but also remind them to appreciate their guidance and reassurance will allow them to feel more
sibling’s quirks. Everyone is different, and there’s comfortable about whatever the future holds.
something to appreciate in every person. Your children
will learn that better than most.

For more information on making future plans

Siblings on tough feelings:
go to:
• “She can say incredibly hurtful things… I used
to get very upset and yell back at her, which
Making a Future Care Plan/Planning for an
would only make things worse. Now I just walk
Emergency
away and try to avoid her until we have both
cooled off.” Source: Sibs, an organization dedicated to
• “I wish I had known that it’s okay to feel angry helping the siblings of individuals with special
or annoyed, and not want to spend a lot of needs of all kinds, including autism
time with him. I spent a lot of time feeling
What it offers: These pages were produced as
guilty when I should have just accepted my
feelings.” guidance for adult siblings; however, parents
may also find the information useful
• “Sometimes my sister plays on my iPad and
deletes games on it. I just usually let it go and Link: [Link]
say to myself that it isn’t the most important [Link]
thing in the world.”
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Aggressive behaviors
As children, we are taught the basics about violence: For more on how to help your children
hitting other people is bad and any kind of violence without autism deal with their sibling’s
is unacceptable. However, the lines can be blurred aggressive behaviors, go to:
when a sibling with autism is aggressive. Violent
tendencies aren’t always a symptom of autism, but Siblings Getting Hurt
they usually serve as a source of stress, tension, Source: Sibs, an organization dedicated
and fear within families. Siblings may ask why their to helping the siblings of individuals with
brother or sister gets away with being aggressive, special needs of all kinds, including autism
and your children may feel angry, confused, or
even afraid if they see their sibling with autism What it offers: Guidance for parents
hitting a family member – or experience getting hit on what to do when a child experiences
themselves. Some children may resent their sibling’s aggression from their sibling with a
violent outbursts or feel protective of parents who disability
bear the brunt of aggression.
Link: [Link]

Explaining a sibling’s violent behavior is a sensitive

subject that should be approached delicately. Challenging Behaviors Toolkit
Children with autism can act out violently because Source: Autism Speaks
they are experiencing pain, sensory overload, or
What it offers: A guide to dealing with
frustration. It may be worth explaining to your
child without autism that while they are able to let challenging behaviors related to autism;
someone know when they are hurt or bothered, it’s this applies to issues that families might
not as simple for their sibling to express themselves. struggle with, including violence
Though it may be tempting to say something like, Link: [Link]
“your sibling can’t help their behavior,” keep in mind
this may make your other children feel like they’re
not supported, or that their safety isn’t a priority.
You can soothe fears and concerns through a
combination of explanations, comfort, and plans for
prevention. No matter what, it is important that the
issue of violence is addressed.

Note: No family member should feel

unsafe in their own home. If you or any of
your children end up seriously hurt after a
meltdown or other violent episode, there
are services out there that can provide
additional support. Consider looking into
specialists who can offer advice about
reducing violent behavior.

9
 5. Relationships between siblings

Growing up together
Every sibling relationship is special, but sometimes For ideas on how to promote positive
autism can make it harder for brothers and sisters sibling interactions and relationships,
to bond. While some children have no trouble check out:
developing a close relationship, others can find it
Ways to play together
difficult to overcome autism’s major sibling-related
barriers: communication, displaying affection, and Source: We Rock the Spectrum LLC (created by
finding common interests. Your children may feel My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation)
rejected or distant from their sibling with autism, or What it offers: A place for kids on and off the
even guilty for not having the same closeness they see spectrum to play in a safe environment and
between siblings from other families. Some children have fun together; this is one example of an
may have genuine feelings of love for their sibling with environment for sibling interaction, but look in
autism, and yet at the same time experience a sense your community for others (e.g. autism-friendly
of loss when thinking about the brother or sister they movie showings and inclusive sports leagues)
“could have had.” or consider organizing playdates with other
autism families
Fostering a good relationship can be as easy as Link: [Link]
finding ways younger siblings can play together, or
helping older siblings find shared interests. This, Peer Play Predicament
like all relationships, will take love, patience, and
Source: Organization for Autism Research
time. Siblings may have very different interests – one
(OAR)
child might be a budding geologist, while the other
loves to run around outside. Search for overlaps: What it offers: This blog post talks about the
maybe they can go for a walk and look for cool rocks special challenges of kids with autism and
together. Parents can’t force their kids to have a playdates; the post offers insight on how to
better relationship, but it can be helpful to facilitate help kids with and without autism play together
opportunities to play together and find common Link: [Link]
interests.
How can I get my brother or sister to
respond to me?
Source: Organization for Autism Research
Siblings say they get along best (OAR)
when: What it offers: Within a full article spanning
• “We talk about a subject he is really into. I try multiple sibling topics, the section “How can
to get into the same stuff he does so we have I get my brother or sister to respond to me?”
something to talk about.” gives kids additional guidance on how to play
• “We play video games together or talk about and connect with their sibling with autism in a
his favorite things. He loves playing games way that is mutually beneficial
and talking about them, too!” Link: [Link]
• “I tickle him and jump on the trampoline with
him.”

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Time apart
Being a sibling of someone with autism can sometimes Sibshops
feel overwhelming, so it’s important for children to Source: SiblingSupport, created by
have time and space to be their own person. Siblings Don Meyer
occasionally need to take a break from one another What it offers: Sibshops provide support and
and recharge. Beyond getting involved in a club or community for siblings, as well as a chance to
their own activities, siblings of children with autism let off steam and be a kid; siblings often make
might find it helpful to connect with others who are strong friendships with one another, can talk
going through the same things. This gives children over problems with leaders and peers, and
time and space to vent, as well as get advice on how enjoy the special time just for them
to deal some of the issues they’re experiencing. If your Time commitment: Typically once a month for
children feel like they can have time to relax and be 2-3 hours, depending on the specific program
themselves, they’re more likely to enjoy spending time
with their sibling… and get more out of it! Pricing: Varies depending on location and
facilitating person/group; memberships or
group packages are often available
There are support groups for siblings of children with
disabilities in many communities. It’s worth seeing if Find one near you: [Link]
there is one near you. You may be surprised at how
close the nearest group can be. There are also online
forums, websites, and social media pages for siblings Sibs
to safely express themselves and talk with others going Source: Sibs, an organization dedicated to
through similar things. helping the siblings of individuals with special
needs of all kinds, including autism
What it offers: There is a “doing your own
thing” section that outlines a few tips to help
younger siblings take healthy breaks from their
sibling
Note: If you find that there aren’t any suitable Link: YoungSibs: [Link]
support groups available for your children AdultSibs: [Link]
without autism to attend, think about getting
together with other families in your local
special needs community to facilitate a less SibTeen Facebook Group
formal but still meaningful support session. Source: SiblingSupport, created by Don Meyer,
From organizing a playdate for younger a Facebook group geared specifically for teens
siblings to arranging for contact details to be with siblings with disabilities
exchanged amongst teenagers, providing
What it offers: An outlet just for teens to
opportunities for your children without autism
talk about their problems, seek advice, and
to validate their feelings is likely to have a
celebrate their role as a sibling of someone
positive effect on their relationship with their
with a disability; members of the page can
brother or sister with autism.
contact each other, make general posts, and
form friendships with others in similar situations
Link: [Link]

11
 6. Finding balance

Families impacted by autism know that the ride isn’t always easy or predictable. You may
experience challenges and make plenty of sacrifices, but there will also be laughs and warm
memories. Parents are completely tuned into these ups and downs, and siblings will be, too. With
your guidance and support, they will learn how to laugh, teach, learn, and grow alongside their
brother or sister with autism. They’ll also learn how to be there for you (and each other) during
times that aren’t so joyful. Siblings often develop the skills and attitude to become not only great
advocates for their brothers and sisters, but the entire special needs community.

What parents say about their children without autism:

• “She is absolutely amazing. I have never seen a more compassionate child
her age. She treats her peers so wonderfully and has reached out to many
kids with behavioral and developmental challenges on her own. For her
brother, she is his greatest teacher and his biggest fan. When he learns
something new, no one is more proud and excited than her.”

• “He is a very patient person and very accepting of others with disabilities
or problems. He is always the one in his peer group reaching out to help
or encourage someone else.”

• “She has become a great advocate for other kids who have special needs.
She shows kindness and respect for other students in her class with
autism. She has learned to be flexible and patient.”

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What’s Next?
You can help kids in your school district learn more about autism, too! The more
they know, the better they will be able to understand your child with autism.
OAR’s “Kit for Kids” includes “What’s up with Nick?”, a story about a boy with
autism. His classmates discover that even though Nick does some things that may
seem weird at first, it wasn’t a big deal once they got to know more about him.

“Kit for Kids” Includes:

Video

• Lesson Plan
Poster • How-To Guide
• Online Activity Books
20 Booklets

Other Helpful Resources:

ORGANIZATION FOR
ORGANIZATION FOR AUTISM RESEARCH
AUTISM RESEARCH

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utism siblin
Life as an a
Autism,
my sibling, and me

a guide
for teens

Want to order guidebooks for your family, or Kit for Kids for your classroom or school district? Call the
Organization for Autism Research at (703) 243-9710 or send an e-mail to programs@[Link].
 ORGANIZATION FOR AUTISM RESEARCH
Raise money. Fund research. Change lives.

[Link]

[Link]/AutismOAR

[Link]/OrganizationforAutismResearch

(866) 366-9710

This resource is the product of the hard work and creativity put in by Lauren Laverick-Brown and Jessie Stanek, OAR Interns,
Summer 2014. Special thanks to all of the siblings, parents, autism professionals, and other community members who contributed.