🧠 AI Summary:
This blog answers one of the most common parent questions: “How can I help my other children understand and support their sibling with autism?” It explores how parents can prepare siblings through open conversations, inclusion, and empathy. By creating understanding at home and using ABA-inspired strategies, families can strengthen bonds and ensure every child feels valued, supported, and loved.
Introduction: The Question Many Parents Ask
When one of your children is diagnosed with autism, the entire family grows together. Parents often focus on therapy, routines, and progress — but there’s another question that quietly lingers:
💭 “How can I help my other kids understand their sibling with autism?”
It’s a beautiful question — and one that comes from love. Siblings play an incredible role in helping a child with autism feel accepted, supported, and included. But they also need their own understanding and guidance to navigate what makes their brother or sister unique.
At On Target ABA, we see every day how family education helps strengthen relationships. Preparing siblings builds empathy, teaches patience, and helps your whole family thrive together. 🌈
Why Preparing Siblings Matters
When children understand autism, they learn to see their sibling’s differences not as challenges — but as part of what makes them special.
Without understanding, siblings might feel:
- Confused by their brother or sister’s behaviors
- Unsure how to play or communicate
- Left out when parents spend more time in therapy routines
With preparation and support, however, siblings can become their brother or sister’s biggest cheerleaders. They learn that love can look different — and that inclusion starts right at home. 💙
“When children understand, they start to connect — and that connection builds lifelong empathy.”
1️⃣ Start with Simple, Honest Conversations
When teaching siblings about autism, use language that fits their age.
- For toddlers: “Your brother’s brain works in a special way. He learns things differently.”
- For school-age kids: “Your sister has autism, which means she might find loud sounds or changes a bit harder. But she loves playing with you.”
- For teens: “Autism means your sibling’s brain processes things uniquely. Understanding that helps us be more patient and supportive.”
Answer questions openly and calmly. Children don’t need every detail — just reassurance that their sibling is loved, and that the family is working as a team.
2️⃣ Focus on Strengths, Not Just Challenges
It’s easy for siblings to notice what’s difficult for their brother or sister — meltdowns, repetitive behavior, or different routines. Help them also see what makes their sibling amazing:
- “Your brother is great at remembering things.”
- “Your sister notices details we miss.”
- “He gives the best hugs.”
By focusing on strengths, siblings learn that autism is part of who their sibling is — not all of who they are.
3️⃣ Teach Through Everyday Moments
You don’t need a big “autism talk.” Everyday moments are powerful teaching opportunities.
When your child asks why their sibling covers their ears, you can say:
“Loud sounds feel uncomfortable for him, so he uses headphones to feel calm.”
When they ask why their sibling repeats phrases, explain:
“That’s how she practices talking. You can help by listening and smiling.”
These small explanations teach compassion without fear — and create an atmosphere of understanding that grows naturally over time.
4️⃣ Encourage Sibling Participation in Therapy
Many families find that including siblings in ABA activities helps them feel connected.
They can:
- Join in on simple games during therapy sessions 🎲
- Help model skills like turn-taking or sharing 🧩
- Practice communication during playtime 🗣️
By participating, siblings see progress firsthand and feel proud of their role in helping their brother or sister grow.
At On Target ABA, we encourage family involvement because every sibling is part of the support system.
5️⃣ Balance Attention and Emotional Needs
It’s easy for therapy schedules and care routines to take most of a parent’s time. Siblings sometimes feel overlooked — not because of neglect, but because life gets busy.
Set aside special one-on-one time for each child. Even 15 minutes of focused attention — reading together, going for a walk, or cooking dinner — helps your child feel seen and valued.
Reassure them that their feelings matter, too. It’s okay if they feel frustrated or jealous sometimes. Validating those emotions teaches empathy and resilience.
6️⃣ Model Patience and Acceptance
Children learn how to respond by watching their parents. When you handle challenging moments with calm and understanding, you’re showing your other children how to do the same.
Instead of saying “Stop getting upset,” try:
💬 “Let’s give your brother a little space — he’s calming down.”
Instead of frustration, show grace.
💬 “Your sister needs quiet time, just like we all do sometimes.”
These small modeling moments teach empathy better than any lecture could.
7️⃣ Celebrate Together
Don’t just track progress — celebrate it! 🎉
When your child with autism reaches a new milestone, include their siblings in the excitement.
- “Your brother said his first word today — let’s bake cookies!”
- “Your sister played a game for 10 minutes — great teamwork!”
Celebrations show siblings that progress belongs to the whole family, not just one person. They help everyone feel proud, connected, and encouraged.
7️⃣ Celebrate Together
Don’t just track progress — celebrate it! 🎉
When your child with autism reaches a new milestone, include their siblings in the excitement.
- “Your brother said his first word today — let’s bake cookies!”
- “Your sister played a game for 10 minutes — great teamwork!”
Celebrations show siblings that progress belongs to the whole family, not just one person. They help everyone feel proud, connected, and encouraged.
8️⃣ Encourage Questions Without Judgment
Sometimes, siblings will ask tough questions like:
💭 “Will my brother always need help?”
💭 “Why can’t she talk yet?”
Answer with honesty and reassurance:
“He’s learning and growing at his own pace, just like you did.”
“We’re all learning different things — that’s what makes our family special.”
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s perspective.
9️⃣ Create Family Traditions That Include Everyone
Family rituals help children bond and create memories together.
Choose activities where everyone can participate:
- A Saturday morning pancake breakfast 🥞
- Movie nights with cozy blankets 🎬
- Dance parties in the living room 💃
Routine family fun teaches siblings that joy and connection are part of every family — and that their brother or sister’s autism doesn’t change that.
1️⃣0️⃣ Seek Support and Resources
Preparing siblings of a child with autism isn’t something parents have to do alone.
Ask your ABA provider for resources, social stories, or sibling workshops.
At On Target ABA, we often share:
- Simple ways to involve siblings during sessions
- Guidance for explaining autism in child-friendly terms
- Support groups for parents and families
External organizations like Autism Speaks and the CDC also provide excellent materials for families.
Conclusion: Growing Together as a Family
When parents wonder how to prepare siblings of a child with autism, the answer is both simple and profound: through love, honesty, and shared understanding.
Each sibling plays a unique role — sometimes as a helper, sometimes as a learner, always as a friend. When families grow together with empathy and patience, every child — autistic or not — learns that kindness is the most powerful skill of all.
At On Target ABA, we’re honored to help families build those connections every day, across our centers in Cleveland, Columbus, Worthington, and Utah.
Because supporting one child means supporting the whole family — and that’s what real progress looks like. 🌈