| Siblings Of Autistic Children | | | | Children |
| Siblings who are in a family with autism present, | | | | Another way to assure siblings to get along is to |
| may have a difficult time for them to relate, | | | | teach your children cooperation, team work by |
| understand each other and cope. To assure | | | | having each child share the load of responsibilities |
| siblings will get a long with others in the family | | | | of chores that each individual is capable of doing |
| with autism, requires patience and a huge amount | | | | and according to their age. |
| of love. | | | | Praise your children for doing such a great job at |
| I believe, if the siblings are taught to be kind and | | | | their chores, even if it the end result is not |
| loving, this will encourage them, that when there | | | | perfect. Do not talk down at them or scold them |
| are mistakes, that are made with the sibling | | | | with harsh words. It is the team work and effort |
| relationships, they will forgive each other. | | | | that counts. |
| A child with autism in a family with siblings requires | | | | If your child has autism and is younger than the |
| everyone to be taught values. For example, | | | | other siblings, it would be wise to have your older |
| consideration graciousness, respect, sharing and | | | | children understand that their younger brother or |
| concern for others, which will assure the siblings | | | | sister many have some difficulties with certain |
| to get along. | | | | areas of their functioning, but they are valuable |
| As a parent(s) or caregiver, your job is to relate | | | | and important but need a little extra help. |
| two imperative things to your children. The first | | | | In addition, to assuring that the siblings get along |
| thing is-- tell your child he or she is special and | | | | with autism in their family, is to have a sense of |
| important and you love him or her as much as | | | | humor. Have fun with your children and make it |
| you always did and that will not change. The | | | | enjoyable for all to laugh, make mistakes, dream |
| second thing is-- to always let your child know, | | | | have goals and understand the talents and gifts of |
| their brother or sister is also special and important | | | | each individual. |
| and you love them just as much him or her and | | | | This will bring cooperation, team work, |
| that will never change either. | | | | self-esteem and create the assurance that siblings |
| Having a child with autism in the family can be | | | | will get along with each other. |
| challenging for the other siblings to learn how to | | | | Unconditional love for all of your children is crucial, |
| get along. It is wise never to compare your | | | | no matter how many siblings there are and the |
| children to other siblings who are the family. | | | | various levels of autism that is within the family. |
| Each child is special with many unique gifts and | | | | Love is the assurance to get along with all |
| challenges, but never compare, elevate, or put | | | | members in the family. |
| one child down against another. Siblings Of Autistic | | | | |