5 golden rules for parenting the siblings of a kid with autism
If your child with autism has siblings, you?re not going to be able to divide your parenting time and attention equally. There?s simply not going to be enough to go around. And a child on the spectrum will inevitably require more of it. But always remember that autism doesn?t just make things harder for you as a parent?it makes things harder for your other children as well. As overwhelmed as you might be dealing with a child with autism, the same is true for their siblings. Here?s how to help them:
1. Schedule in quality time
Make sure you find an activity you and your other child can do together, one-on-one. Schedule that activity and stick to the schedule.
2. Schedule playdates
Have your other kids play with other children on the spectrum and, perhaps more important, other siblings of children on the spectrum so they can see they?re not alone.
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3. Be open and honest
Explain to them as much about autism as you can, in terms they will understand.
4. Make it a two-way conversation
Rather than monologue, stop and listen often. Encourage questions and answer them honestly. Allow your neurotypical kids to be honest about how they?re feeling in return.
5. Build a library
There are lots ...
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