How can I manage my second child who doesn't have Autism?
Updated: Apr 17, 2020
If you are a family who has one child with Autism and the other one who is typically developing, we have some tips for you. You may want to talk to them (after they turn 6 years) separately about Autism. You will probably explain things differently depending on their ages.
The following are some books which might help your children to understand:
My family is different (for 4-9 year olds) by Carolyn Brock
Everybody is different: a book for young people who have brothers or sisters with Autism (for 8-13 year olds) by Fiona Bleach
I'm a teenager... get me out of here! by Carolyn Brock
Being the Other One: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister Who Has Special Needs by Kate Strohm
Children might feel that the sibling with autism takes a lot of your time and attention. Here are some ideas that will help you give both the attention they need:
Help siblings to better understand their brother or sister and their needs
Make time for siblings
Do some activities separately – spend exclusive times with both the kids
Allow siblings to have time to themselves, e.g. a sleepover at a friend’s home
Allow siblings to bring their own friends home sometimes and enjoy themselves without interruption
Listen to their worries and concerns and the things that are important to them as they may feel angry over unequal treatment or often feel frustrated or embarrassed.
Quietly, sometimes secretly, siblings worry. Listen to their ideas - older children may have good ideas about how best to manage certain situations.
Help your children learn how to play and form relationships. If they have a good relationship with their brother or sister with Autism, they may be able to ask them to do things that you cannot.
References:
1. https://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosis/children/recently-diagnosed.aspx
2. https://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosis/children/recently-diagnosed.aspx#tellsiblings
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