How does autism affect sibling communication?

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) influences how people understand language, express emotions, and respond to social cues. When one sibling is autistic, these communication differences can shape how brothers and sisters connect, cooperate, and understand one another.

As NICE guidance (CG142) explains, social communication in autism can include challenges with tone, facial expression, or figurative language but also strengths in honesty, attention to detail, and direct expression.

Understanding different communication styles

Autistic children often prefer literal, structured, and predictable communication, while non-autistic siblings may rely more on emotional tone or body language. This difference can lead to misunderstanding at times, for example, an autistic child may miss a joke or take teasing literally, while their sibling might misread calmness as disinterest.

A 2025 study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that sibling communication improves significantly when both children learn to interpret each other’s styles using clear language, patience, and shared activities that reduce pressure to “get it right” verbally.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that these adjustments build stronger emotional bonds and mutual understanding over time.

Supporting connection and empathy

According to NHS advice on communication and interaction, parents can support sibling communication by modelling calm, clear language and helping both children understand how the other prefers to interact.

Effective strategies include:

Encouraging direct but kind speech, saying exactly what is meant.

Using visual or written communication tools to support conversation.

Building shared routines and games that encourage teamwork and fun.

Discussing emotions openly helps both siblings express and recognise their feelings.

According to NICE guidance (CG170), family education programmes can help siblings understand autism as a difference rather than a difficulty, which fosters acceptance and cooperation.

Growing together through difference

Although communication may require more effort, siblings of autistic children often develop exceptional empathy, adaptability, and patience. As the WHO notes, these relationships can become deeply rewarding when families emphasise mutual respect and understanding rather than correction.

Takeaway:

Autism can change how siblings communicate, but it also opens the door to greater empathy and creativity. When families support both children’s voices, connection grows stronger through shared 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.