Autism Spectrum 
Disorders 

Tips for Siblings 


What is Autism? 

Autism is a disability that can cause kids to 
have a hard time communicating and being 
with other people. Some kids with autism 
can talk, but many never learn to talk. Some 
kids with autism have challenging behaviors. 
Other kids with autism have special skills 
and talents that are pretty amazing! 

Why Does He Do That? 

It can be really hard to have a brother or 
sister with autism. Maybe your sibling has 
tantrums, or makes loud noises, or hits. Most 
kids with autism have challenging behaviors 
because they can’t talk. Think about how 
frustrating that would be! Kids with autism 
always have a reason for what they do, but 
sometimes it’s hard to figure out. 

For more information: 

Kentucky Autism Training Center 

College of Education and Human Development 
University of Louisville 
Louisville, KY 40292 


Office: 502-852-4631 Toll free: 800-334-8635 ext. 852-4631 
E-mail: katc@louisville.edu 


Website: www.louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining/ 


This information was adapted from materials developed by the 
Autism Society of America, Alaska Autism Resource Center and the 
Indiana Resource Center for Autism. 



Remember you are not alone! Every 
family has challenges, and yes, autism 
is challenging. But if you look closely, all 
families have difficult times. 

All families have rules and routines and 
sometimes your family may be doing things 
differently than other families. You may 
have special responsibilities within your 
family. It is important to understand that 
your parents may ask you to help make 
sure your brother or sister is always safe— 
especially in public. 

Kids with autism get teased a lot in school. 
You don’t have to step in every time this 
happens but you can tell your sibling’s 
teacher and parents about the problem. 

Be proud of your brother or sister. Celebrate 
what is special about your siblings with 
autism. Learn to talk about it and be open 
and comfortable describing autism to 
others. If you are comfortable with the topic, 
then others will be to. 

Here are some

Tips JUST FOR YOU! 

Sometimes you will be angry with your brother or 
sister. It’s o.k. to feel upset—all siblings get upset 
with one another at times. Don’t be afraid to talk 
about this with your parents or your siblings. It is 
important to understand that autism is a tough 
disability to have and your sibling is trying his or 
her hardest to do the right thing. 

It is o.k. to be sad if you have a brother or sister 
affected by autism. Remember, your parents may 
feel the same way. 

Doing things as a family is important. But 
it is o.k. for you to ask to spend time alone 
with your parents or grandparents. Having a 
family member with autism can be very time 
consuming for everyone. But you need to feel 
important to. Even if your brother or sister 
didn’t have autism, you’d still want a little time 
along with parents and grandparents.