Autism and Siblings

December 5, 2014By

Autism often impacts more than just the affected member of the family. It is extremely important for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to consider the needs of their other children in the family.

The good news is that research suggests siblings of children with special needs may show greater tolerance and understanding of others, more altruistic behavior and greater empathy.

That said, many siblings will most likely encounter some challenging situations living with their family member with ASD.

Having a child with ASD can be very stressful and more importantly, time consuming. For parents it’s always a battle to balance the needs of the family as a whole.

Children with ASD often have numerous therapies that may reduce time availability for extracurricular activities for siblings. That can certainly create feelings of frustration and even jealousy if much of the family’s energy continually goes into the child with greater needs.

It could be very helpful to carve out some alone time with other siblings so that everyone feels equally important.

Many experts agree that it’s important for families to have a conversation about autism with their children at their age appropriate level.

Parents will most likely have to keep redefining what autism means as their children grow older. For young siblings it might be as simple as explaining “Your brother/sister doesn’t know how to talk” or discussing unusual behaviors that might be confusing.

Older children might require conversations about how to explain autism to their friends or discussions as to why rules for the child or children with autism may need to differ from their typical siblings. That can certainly be hard for siblings to understand.

As children grow into adulthood it may be necessary to have a conversation about potential arrangements for care for the family member with ASD.

Here are a few resources available to help families looking for sibling support:

The Sibling Support Project – this national organization is dedicated to increasing peer support and providing information for brothers and sisters of people with special needs. It also aims to increase parent awareness of sibling support. They developed the successful SibShop programs that create community based peer support workshops and websites for young and adult siblings.

Autism New Jersey matches siblings with pen pals around the country and internationally

Autism Speaks has several great resources for more than just siblings. They have A SIBLING’S GUIDE TO AUTISM, A GRANPARENT’S GUIDE TO AUTISM as well as A FRIEND’S GUIDE TO AUTISM.

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MAXimum Chances, your Child, and Autism

December 5, 2014By

_Autism Resource financial assistance autism treatment providersWe are thrilled to be your resource for matters of autism. Our hope is to help provide you with information that will be helpful, educational, encouraging, supportive, and even entertaining at times. The subject matter we cover here will highlight different areas of importance as you navigate your path in raising a child with autism.

A brief explanation of the general topics discussed on this site are listed here:

M – Medical Diagnosis – What does the Autism Spectrum entail, and what are your next logical steps to ensure your child has the maximum chance for success and personal achievement in life?

A – Advocate – Being an advocate is a two-fold approach. As you take your doctor’s advice on board, learn more about it through research, and what your experiences are as a parent regarding what works and what doesn’t work for your child. Ask questions, be bold and keep the communication line open, and always be learning.

It is also important to be your child’s best advocate with the schools, activities, home & family, friends, and wherever you see your child needs one – be one – we’ll help show you how.

X – eXpectations – What can you expect in areas of development, integration, medical treatments, and from the general public. How do you deal with current realities and expectations of yourself and others when they do not coincide?

I – Information – MAXimum Chances provides varied resources such as articles, books, studies, organization links, and support links (financial, personal, therapies, and groups) for families who have a child with autism, including Lachlan’s Corner just for siblings.

M – Multi-Faceted Treatments – What is working for others regarding treatments, what are acceptable practices in therapies, training, discipline, and diets? Each child is different and reacts differently to each new element introduced. Education and awareness is key to providing MAXimum Chances for your child.

U – Unity – Both parents need to be on the same page and have a common goal regarding treatments, therapies, knowledge about autism, meeting and choosing the right doctor, forming a support structure, and establishing routines that work.

M – Ministration – In the act of giving care, what are the common mainstream treatments as well as the lesser-known alternative treatments being discovered? (Click here to see the approved providers – we may be able to offer families financial support for those who qualify.)

Please take a moment to share us with those in your social media circles by liking the MAXimum Chances Facebook Page and sharing us with those who could use the resources and support we provide.

Together, we can help children with autism receive the MAXimum Chances they need to excel in life!

 

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