How do siblings relate to a brother or sister with autism?

PostedDecember 19, 2025

UpdatedDecember 19, 2025

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, processes emotions, and interacts with others. When one child in a family is autistic, their siblings often develop unique relationships shaped by empathy, patience, and mutual learning.

As NICE guidance (CG142) explains, autism can influence family dynamics in both rewarding and challenging ways, depending on how well siblings understand each other’s needs and differences.

Understanding and adaptation

Siblings of autistic children often learn early to adapt communication styles and routines. Some may take on supportive roles, helping to interpret emotions or maintain structure in daily life. A 2025 study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that these siblings frequently develop strong empathy and emotional awareness, though they may also experience feelings of confusion or frustration, especially if autism isn’t fully explained to them.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that understanding autism as a difference, not a disorder, helps siblings relate with compassion rather than resentment.

Supporting sibling relationships

According to NHS advice on communication and interaction, parents can support healthy sibling relationships by:

Explaining autism positively: Help siblings understand why their brother or sister may communicate or react differently.

Encouraging shared activities: Structured play or quiet time together can strengthen connection.

Providing one-to-one time: Siblings benefit from moments of individual attention.

Creating open communication: Encourage children to express their feelings honestly and without guilt.

These strategies foster empathy while preventing emotional strain or competition for attention.

Building inclusion and resilience

According to NICE guidance (CG170), involving siblings in supportive discussions helps them feel included rather than excluded from autism-related care. Families that celebrate neurodiversity, acknowledging each child’s strengths and needs tend to develop stronger relationships overall.

Siblings often describe their relationships with autistic brothers or sisters as deeply meaningful, built on understanding, honesty, and shared growth.

Takeaway:

Siblings of autistic children experience family life differently, but often more deeply. With open communication, empathy, and inclusion, these relationships can grow into lifelong sources of strength and mutual understanding.

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.