How Can Siblings and Understanding Sensory Differences in Autism?

PostedDecember 18, 2025

UpdatedDecember 18, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Siblings and understanding sensory differences in autism play a crucial role in creating a supportive home environment. Many autistic individuals experience Sensory Processing differences that affect how they perceive the world often making things like noise, textures, or lights overwhelming. Siblings can be key allies in helping them navigate these challenges, but understanding sensory needs takes awareness and education.

Family support is essential in making sure that all family members, including siblings, feel equipped to support their autistic sibling. It’s important that siblings recognise sensory sensitivities and learn to respond with empathy. By educating siblings about sensory differences in autism, families can create an environment where everyone feels understood and supported.

How to Support Siblings and Understanding Sensory Differences in Autism

Here are some ways siblings can help:

Learn about sensory sensitivities

Understand how sensory triggers like loud noises or certain textures can affect your sibling’s behaviour. Awareness education, through books or family discussions, helps siblings understand their sibling’s sensory challenges and develop patience.

Offer emotional support and comfort

Siblings may witness distress during sensory overload but might not always know how to help. Encourage open communication about what works to calm your sibling down, such as providing quiet time, offering comfort items, or finding sensory-friendly spaces.

Foster empathy and inclusion

Encourage siblings to be inclusive and understand that their sibling’s reactions are not intentional. Create opportunities for shared activities that respect sensory needs, like engaging in calm games or quiet outings, helping build stronger family bonds.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for advice on siblings and understanding sensory differences in autism, and how to offer family support through awareness education.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Sensory Processing Differences

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and 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 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.