Autism Speaks, Community, Family Services, Community Connections for Siblings of Individuals with Autism

Growing Up with a Sibling with Autism

Life is different and often challenging for every member of a family with an individual with autism. Siblings are often faced with unique challenges - losing friends, sacrificing social opportunities, embarrassment - all of which can make for a difficult and sometimes lonely experience. Others report having a sibling with autism is a blessing, and many go on to devote their life's work to helping others affected by developmental disabilities.

This month's Community Connections explores the many facets of the sibling relationship and brings to light important information and practical suggestions.

Click here to read Maria Wheeler's Twelve Important Needs of Siblings and Tips to Address These Needs.

Resources

Books

Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families
by Sandra L. Harris, Beth A. Glasberg

Sibling Stories: Reflections on Life with a Brother or Sister on the Autism Spectrum
by Lynne Stern Feiges, Mary Jane Weiss

French Fries For Siblings:
The Forgotten Children of Autism
by Lilli Z. Mayerson

Thicker Than Water: Essays by Adult
Siblings of People with Disabilities
edited by Don Meyer

Websites

Autism Siblings
A charity designed to help the brothers and sisters of autistic kids find bliss in their autistic siblings.

The Sibling Support Project
A national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental or mental, health concerns.

Autism Everyday
A Facebook group for the siblings of individuals with autism.

In Their Own Words

My Special Brothers
by Kathleen Buick

My Brother Vinnie
by Lucy Ireland

For My Brother Joey: A Brother
Creates a Button to Raise
Awareness and Funds
by Nicholas Lombardi

Siblings in the News!

Autistic Kids: The Sibling Problem
Amy Lennard Goehner, Time Magazine, December 2007

Siblings of Autistic Children Get Chance to Express Concerns
Don Aucoin, Boston Globe, June 2008

Siblings Coping with Autism: Workshops Help Kids Share the Pain of Dealing with Disabilities
John Donvan, ABC News, May 2006

Special Needs Present Separate Challenges for Siblings of Kids with Disabilities
Lisa Chamoff, Stamford Advocate (CT), October 2009

Visit our Resource Guide and search the Support Groups category to find SibShops or other similar groups in your area. We welcome new submissions to continually build the Resource Guide. If you know of additional resources available for siblings of individuals with autism, you can submit them here.

We would like to hear from you! Share your experience as a sibling or about a sibling of an individual with autism with us at familyservices@autismspeaks.org. Photos are welcome!