When a child is diagnosed with autism, the entire family is impacted—not just the parents, but siblings as well. Brothers and sisters of children with autism often grow up in environments that demand empathy, adaptability, and emotional resilience from a very young age. While much of the attention understandably centres on the child with autism, siblings may silently experience confusion, neglect, guilt, or emotional overload. Without proper awareness and support, these complex feelings can remain unexpressed, affecting their emotional development and sense of belonging within the family.
This is where the role of an NGO for mental health becomes especially meaningful. Through family-focused counselling, community health camps, and awareness-driven health camps, such organisations help create inclusive and supportive spaces for every family member. By connecting families with resources like autism therapy centres near me, these initiatives ensure that siblings also receive emotional validation, guidance, and reassurance. Such holistic support strengthens overall family well-being and highlights the importance of caring for every child in the household—not just the one with the diagnosis.
Understanding the Sibling Experience
Siblings of children with autism often experience a wide range of feelings, including love, pride, frustration, jealousy, confusion, and even guilt. They may struggle to understand why their sibling behaves differently or requires more attention. Younger siblings may feel neglected, while older siblings may take on caregiving responsibilities prematurely.
Social challenges are also common. Siblings may feel embarrassed in public situations, find it difficult to explain autism to peers, or face insensitive questions. Over time, unaddressed emotions can lead to anxiety, resentment, or withdrawal, making it crucial for parents to recognise and respond to these experiences with care and sensitivity.
Why Supporting Siblings Matters
Supporting siblings is not about dividing attention equally at all times, but about ensuring emotional needs are acknowledged and validated. When siblings feel heard and understood, they are more likely to develop resilience, empathy, and strong coping skills. Research shows that well-supported siblings often grow into compassionate, socially aware adults with a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Neglecting sibling needs, on the other hand, may lead to behavioural issues, academic difficulties, or strained family relationships. A balanced approach helps create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued.
Common Challenges Faced by Siblings
Emotional Overload
Siblings may feel overwhelmed by unpredictable behaviours, meltdowns, or sensory sensitivities displayed by their autistic brother or sister. They may suppress their own emotions to avoid adding stress to their parents.
Reduced Parental Attention
Children may notice that parents spend significant time managing therapies, appointments, and daily routines for the child with autism. This can sometimes lead to feelings of invisibility or competition for attention.
Role Confusion
Older siblings may feel pressured to act as secondary caregivers, sacrificing their own childhood needs. While responsibility can build maturity, excessive burden may result in burnout or resentment.
How Parents Can Support Siblings Effectively
Encourage Open Communication
Create a safe space where siblings can express their feelings without fear of judgment. Let them know that all emotions, positive or negative, are valid. Regular family conversations help normalise discussions around autism and emotional well-being.
Provide Age-Appropriate Education
Helping siblings understand autism in a way that matches their developmental level reduces confusion and fear. When children understand why their sibling behaves differently, empathy grows naturally.
Spend One-on-One Time
Even short periods of dedicated attention can make a big difference. Individual time reassures siblings that they are equally important and valued, strengthening parent-child bonds.
Avoid Overburdening with Responsibility
While helping at home can be positive, siblings should not feel obligated to take on caregiving roles beyond their capacity. Maintaining healthy boundaries allows them to enjoy their own childhood.
Role of External Support Systems
Families do not have to manage everything alone. External support systems play a critical role in maintaining balance. Many parents seek guidance from the Best NGO in India working in the field of autism and family support, as these organisations often provide sibling workshops, counselling sessions, and family-centred programs.
Professional child care services also help ease daily pressures on families. When care responsibilities are shared with trained professionals, parents can devote quality time to all their children, including siblings who may otherwise feel overlooked.
Some families benefit from connecting with autism therapy centres that offer family counselling or sibling support groups. These spaces allow siblings to meet others with similar experiences, helping them feel less isolated.
Additionally, an autism centre near me may offer psychoeducation programs that address the emotional needs of the entire family, not just the diagnosed child. Such holistic approaches strengthen family resilience and understanding.
Building Resilience and Positive Identity in Siblings
Parents can actively nurture resilience by recognising siblings’ strengths and encouraging their interests outside the family’s autism-related responsibilities. Participation in sports, arts, or social activities gives siblings a sense of individuality and achievement.
Celebrating their contributions, while also respecting their limits, helps siblings develop a positive self-image. Over time, many siblings develop exceptional empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills, qualities that should be acknowledged and reinforced.
Preparing for the Future
As children grow, siblings may worry about long-term responsibilities related to their autistic brother or sister. Honest, age-appropriate discussions about future planning can ease anxiety. Reassure siblings that caregiving decisions will be shared and supported, not placed solely on their shoulders.
Encouraging independence in all children, including the child with autism, fosters confidence and reduces pressure on siblings in the long run.
Conclusion
Supporting siblings of children with autism is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of overall family well-being. By recognising their emotions, offering reassurance, and maintaining balanced family routines, parents can help siblings feel secure, valued, and emotionally supported. Professional guidance plays a vital role in this process. Support from experienced mental health professionals, access to specialised assessment and therapy services, and guidance from community-focused organisations such as GDF, which works toward inclusive development through awareness, family support programmes, and community-based mental health initiatives, can help families address emotional needs more effectively.
Psychological services like the Psychowellness Center provide structured assessments, behavioural guidance, and emotional regulation strategies that support both children with autism and their siblings. Additionally, platforms like TalktoAngel make mental health care more accessible by connecting families with qualified psychologists through online consultations. With informed parenting, empathetic care, and strong community-based resources, families can foster resilience, strengthen sibling bonds, and build a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels understood, supported, and valued.
Contribution: Dr R.K. Suri, Clinical Psychologist, and Ms Tanu Sangwan, Counselling Psychologist
References
- American Academy of Paediatrics. (2019). Supporting siblings of children with developmental disabilities. Pediatrics, 144(5), e20192744.
- Autism Speaks. (2021). Siblings and autism. https://www.autismspeaks.org/siblings-and-autism
- Hastings, R. P. (2014). Children and adolescents who are siblings of children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(9), 2169–2178.
- Meyer, D. J., & Vadasy, P. F. (2008). Sibshops: Workshops for siblings of children with special needs. Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
- World Health Organisation. (2021). Autism spectrum disorders.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders