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How can parents support siblings in families with autism? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

According to NHS guidance, autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a person communicates, experiences emotions, and interacts with others. In families where one child is autistic, siblings often play a vital role in daily life. While these relationships can be loving and resilient, they can also bring emotional challenges that benefit from thoughtful support. 

According to NICE guidance (CG142), helping siblings understand autism early and offering clear communication about family routines and differences fosters empathy and stability. 

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Understanding siblings’ experiences 

Siblings of autistic children often show exceptional empathy, patience, and adaptability. However, they may also experience confusion, frustration, or feelings of being overlooked when more attention is focused on their brother or sister’s needs. 

A 2025 study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that siblings benefit most when parents provide open discussion, reassurance, and equal opportunities for attention and emotional support. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that emotional wellbeing improves when all family members feel heard and understood. 

Practical ways parents can offer support 

According to NHS advice on communication and interaction, parents can strengthen family harmony by: 

  • Explaining autism simply and positively: Use age-appropriate language to help siblings understand why their brother or sister may communicate or behave differently. 
  • Encouraging shared activities: Structured play or shared routines can foster connection and reduce misunderstanding. 
  • Spending one-to-one time: Regular individual attention reassures siblings that their needs matter too. 
  • Creating open dialogue: Encourage questions and honesty about feelings like frustration or jealousy without judgement. 
  • Accessing sibling support groups: Peer spaces, often signposted by charities or local NHS services, help children feel less isolated. 

These steps help siblings build resilience, empathy, and pride in their family’s diversity. 

A family approach to understanding 

According to NICE guidance (CG170), families thrive when autism is seen as part of the family’s shared identity rather than a single person’s challenge. Supporting all children, not just the autistic child, helps maintain balance, strengthens bonds, and promotes emotional wellbeing for the entire household. 

Takeaway:  

Supporting siblings begins with inclusion. When parents communicate openly, spend dedicated time with each child, and celebrate neurodiversity, the whole family grows in understanding and connection. 

Beatrice Holloway, MSc
Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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