Life as an Autism Sibling: Arlington, VA: Organization for Autism Research, Inc.

Reviewed by
Alice Bravo, MEd
Consumer Corner Contributor

autism-siblingHaving a sibling comes with rewards and challenges. The Organization for Autism Research recently published Life as an Autism Sibling: A Guide for Teens, a booklet created by young adults with siblings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), for teenagers with siblings with ASD. It is meant to provide support and guidance for the unique experiences that come alongside growing up with a sibling that is on the spectrum.

The booklet addresses six difficulties that siblings often experience, with each page of the booklet addressing a different topic:

  • Explaining autism – This page contains suggestions for how teenagers may explain what autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is to their friends, classmates and strangers in a way that others will understand.
  • Dealing with a different ‘normal’ – Many adolescents experience a sense of loss as they witness their peers experiencing “normal” sibling relationships that appear very different from their own. This is addressed by working to identify activities that both siblings enjoy doing together.
  • Parents, time and expectations – To a teenager, it may seem like his or her sibling with ASD takes up a large portion of their parents’ attention. This section of the booklet acknowledges the hurt that the teen may feel as a result, and makes recommendations as to how to discuss this feeling with parents.
    Four succinct steps are provided:
    1. Know what you’re going to say,
    2. Think about the outcomes,
    3. Remain calm and
    4. Be honest.
  • When you need some space – Strategies are provided for instances when a teenager is stressed out by his or her sibling, and how he or she may create their own personal space for unwinding and relaxation.
  • Meltdowns – Meltdowns by one’s sibling with ASD in public can lead to feelings of embarrassment. This page provides five strategies for dealing with those feelings:
    1. Remember that everyone gets embarrassed,
    2. Surround yourself with good people,
    3. Take a different perspective,
    4. Make it a funny story and
    5. Let it go.
  • Looking ahead – The teenage years are a common time for individuals to start thinking more about their future: their life after high school. This section addresses moving away from home, thoughts regarding one’s future role in a sibling’s life, and having an open conversation with one’s parents if he or she is feeling worried about the future.

Resources are also provided for additional support beyond the scope of the booklet – SibTeen, Sibshops, and the Organization for Autism Research website.

Life as an Autism Sibling: A Guide for Teens targets an under-supported population – teenage siblings of children with ASD. One of the biggest messages presented in the booklet is that these individuals are not alone, and that there are strategies and resources available to them. Know a teenager with a sibling with ASD who might benefit from this resource? Download it for free on the Organization for Autism Research website, or by clicking here!

Citation for this article:

Bravo, A. (2009). Consumer corner: Review of “Life as an autism sibling”. Science in Autism Treatment, 12(3), 12-13.

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