Enjoying the company (and putting up with) brothers and sisters is a big part of many children’s upbringing. This is intensified when a sibling has a neurodivergence. It can be a unique and challenging experience to have a brother or sister with autism in Mississauga. To foster a positive family environment, it’s very important to provide support to these siblings in the correct way. After all, their emotional well-being shouldn’t be overlooked due to the needs of the others around them. 

Here are ten ways to support the siblings of children with autism Mississauga.

1. Making Room For One-On-One Time

Although your child with autism requires a lot of your time, it’s important to spend quality one-on-one time with each of your kids. Giving attention to the needs and feelings of each sibling is equally important in the long run. This special attention helps them feel valued as well.

2. Building Support Groups

There are networks set up to help your child feel included. Encourage your children to participate in sibling support groups. They’re a way to  reduce feelings of isolation by building a small, like-minded community. These gatherings provide a space where siblings can connect with others who share similar experiences.

3. Encouraging Open Communication

You’d be amazed at how just talking things through can help. Siblings should feel comfortable asking questions, expressing their feelings, and discussing their experiences. Encourage open and honest communication within the family. This helps brothers and sisters of children with autism feel understood and less isolated.

4. Fostering Education and Awareness

You wouldn’t talk to your kids about neurodivergence the same if they were seven as if they were seventeen. Educate siblings about autism in an age-appropriate manner. Understanding their sibling’s condition can reduce misunderstandings, foster empathy, and help them develop coping strategies.

5. Engaging Counselling Services

At Monarch House we have professionals that can help smooth over sibling rivalries and feelings of exclusion—from occupational therapists to seasoned on-site psychotherapists/counsellors. Professional support can help siblings tamper any anxiety or stress related to having a brother or sister with neurodivergence, process their emotions, and build coping mechanisms.

6. Facilitating Involvement In Care

Having the brother or sister actively involved in the care of their sibling with autism can make a big difference. There are ways to do this in age-appropriate ways, from helping with storytime to navigating transit together. This ongoing inclusion can help them feel less resentful—and more connected—fostering a sense of teamwork and family unity.

7. Encouraging Individual Interests

If the brother or sister has a passion for art, or sports, let them pursue that interest with aplomb. In your own way, support the siblings in having their own directions and hobbies. Encouraging their passions ensures they don’t feel overshadowed by their sibling’s needs, and helps them secure their own identity.

8. Educating The Community

Advocacy can be a bonding experience for the siblings. Raise awareness about autism within your community. Educating neighbours, teachers, friends, and extended family together can create a more supportive environment for siblings. This will help them feel like their needs are heard as well and make them less isolated overall.

9. Celebrating Achievements

Don’t let any child go without their moment in the sun. All children in the family should have the space and time and attention to celebrate their accomplishments individually. Recognizing the achievements of siblings, no matter how small, reinforces their value and boosts their self-esteem.

10. Being Patient and Understanding

It’s okay to feel envious, angry, or left out at times. This is all a part of being human. Acknowledge that your other children may have a myriad of complex emotions, including jealousy, frustration, or even guilt. Be sure to provide reassurance, be patient and understanding, and offer support as they process these feelings.

Building a foundation of support for the whole family is one of those brick-by-brick endeavours. It requires a holistic approach. The social, emotional, and personal needs of siblings of children with autism need support at every turn as well. Families can create a loving environment where all children thrive by providing education, fostering open communication, and ensuring each child feels supported and valued.