| There's always tension between siblings, but when one | | | | example, perhaps your family cannot travel to the |
| child has a mental or physical developmental disorder, | | | | beach because your autistic child can't handle the |
| this sibling rivalry can become even more pronounced. | | | | stress of the sand, water, and crowds. Instead, plan a |
| As a parent, dealing with disorders can be stressful | | | | family trip to a less-crowded lake destination or, if you |
| enough without worrying about having to balance your | | | | live close enough, plan a day trip to the beach while |
| time between two or more children. A number of | | | | your autistic child visits with grandma or does another |
| things can be done to improve relationships between | | | | activity. |
| brothers and sisters when one or more child suffers | | | | Remember that your non-autistic children need |
| from autism, but remember that children of all ages will | | | | attention at other points in the day, not just every once |
| quarrel, so time apart is important too. | | | | in awhile for special events. Schedule some time every |
| First and foremost, it is important to educate your | | | | day to provide these children with your undivided |
| children about autism. Starting from a young age, your | | | | attention. Think of this kind of sibling rivalry as similar to |
| children who are not diagnosed with the disease | | | | the rivalry that occurs when a new child is born. |
| should learn that their brother or sister has a different | | | | Although the new baby needs your attention the most, |
| understanding of the world. This is especially important | | | | you cannot ignore your other children. The same is |
| because when you and your spouse pass away, your | | | | true when you have an autistic child. |
| other children will most likely have power-of-attorney | | | | Lastly, take advantage of programs and organizations |
| over their autistic siblings, even if they do not have | | | | aimed at helping families through difficult situations. |
| direct responsibility for them on a day to day basis. It | | | | Many groups are formed specifically for siblings of |
| may be beneficial to explain this to them as they | | | | autistic children to help them cope with the stress that |
| mature, but even as a child, the sense of responsibility | | | | this causes in their lives. If your child does not enjoy |
| for a sibling who needs help can create more | | | | these groups, do not force him or her to go, but usually |
| understanding. Get you child involved with taking care | | | | these meetings are fun and inspiring. |
| of your autistic child by learning fun educational games | | | | Consider joining a family counselling group. This not only |
| to play together or helping with everyday tasks such | | | | helps parents deal with the stress of raising an autistic |
| as dressing and eating. | | | | child, but also helps children, both autistic and |
| However, remember that your non-autistic child needs | | | | non-autistic, learn to interact peacefully with one |
| plenty of care and attention as well. Plan family outing | | | | another. When there is a level of understanding |
| which all of your children can enjoy, but also treat your | | | | between children and between a child and his or her |
| non-autistic children to other events as well. They may | | | | parents, the family can work together to help their |
| feel resentful because they cannot do all of the things | | | | autistic member, as well as help one another be |
| with their family that a typical child and his or her family | | | | successful in life. |
| can do, so try to counteract this with other events. For | | | | |