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Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information sent out does not imply that Autism South Africa underwrites or endorses any particular therapy, intervention, method or medication. Autism South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided herein.
I have a brother with autism!
My name is Kim. I have a brother who has autism and his name is Michael. Michael has something wrong with his brain; that is why he is autistic and it is not his fault.
Michael has never said a word in his life and he does not understand when we speak to him, he watches what we do and tries to do the right thing. Also, Michael cannot read or write. Michael has always gone to a special school for children with autism. When Michael was younger he went to a day school then when he was 11 he became a weekly border. I missed my brother a lot, but I had to admit that I was glad that I did have some time without him at home. My parents had more time for me when he was away and we did not always have to do certain things or not do certain things because of Michael. We became more of a “normal” family
when Michael was away at school. It was also easier for me when my friends came to visit, as I did feel embarrassed sometimes when Michael
My name is Kim. I have a brother who has autism and his name is Michael. Michael has something wrong with his brain; that is why he is autistic and it is not his fault.
Michael has never said a word in his life and he does not understand when we speak to him, he watches what we do and tries to do the right thing. Also, Michael cannot read or write. Michael has always gone to a special school for children with autism. When Michael was younger he went to a day school then when he was 11 he became a weekly border. I missed my brother a lot, but I had to admit that I was glad that I did have some time without him at home. My parents had more time for me when he was away and we did not always have to do certain things or not do certain things because of Michael. We became more of a “normal” family
when Michael was away at school. It was also easier for me when my friends came to visit, as I did feel embarrassed sometimes when Michael
autism and nonautistic siblings
Parents with autistic children are often concerned about the issue of autism and nonautistic siblings. An autism diagnosis affects the entire family because of the daily requirements of many autism interventions. Despite the demands of life with autism, people with autism and their nonautistic siblings can have a happy family life with the right intervention and support.
siblings of children with autism:
an Interview with Sandra Harris
interview by Allison Martin
Sandra L. Harris, Ph.D., is a Professor at the Rutgers University and the Director of the Division of Research and Training at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center. Her book, Siblings of Children with Autism, explores the impact of raising a child with autism on the family, especially on brothers and sisters. In this compelling interview she discusses ways to cope with the impacts of autism on your family.
What do studies show about the effect of autism on other siblings in the family?
Sandra Harris: There are really two aspects to this question. One concerns the extent to which the siblings of children with autism pose more problems needing professional attention than other children, and the other aspect is to what extent their sibling's autism influences what they think about and worry about. I think it is important to distinguish between them. In terms of the first question, in general research on the siblings of children with autism suggests that most of them are much like other children their age. There is however a small group of these children who are more vulnerable to worry and anxiety or to "acting out" behavior than is true for other children. So, while having a sibling with autism does not usually mean that a child needs professional attention, there is that subgroup of children for whom this is important. The child who is often worried, moody, sad, or angry for extended periods may benefit
autistic kids: the sibling problem
by Amy Lennard Goehner
A few months ago, I took my sons to buy shoes. Nate is 14 and autistic. Joey is 8 and "typical." And I'm the parent — most of the time. Before we got to the store, Joey said to me, "If Nate has a tantrum, I can handle him. You just focus on buying shoes. I'm better at handling tantrums than you. Sometimes you just yell and it makes things worse. No offense."
None taken. He's absolutely right.
The "typically developing" siblings of autistic children are, in fact, the furthest thing from typical. Often, they are wiser and more mature than their age would suggest. And they have to be, given the myriad challenges they face: parental responsibility; a feeling of isolation from the rest of their family; confusion, fear, anger and embarrassment about their autistic sibling. And on top of all of it, guilt for having
Living with impairment: the effects on children of having an autistic sibling
PATRICIA HOWLIN Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8A7
Accepted for publication 6 July 1988
Summary Although children of impaired siblings are generally believed to be at risk of suffering from a variety of problems themselves, research studies indicate that living with impairment is not necessarily a harmful experience. This report reviews studies in this area, with particular emphasis on those involving autistic sibships. Although often lacking adequate experimental controls, the current literature suggests various factors that are likely to influence the risks on siblings. Possible ways of minimizing such risk factors are discussed.
'You're a naughty girl!' said Tom severely 'and I'm sorry I bought you the fish line. I don't love you ....Last holidays you licked the paint off my lozenge box, and the holidays before that you let the boat drag my fish-line down when I'd set you to watch it, and you pushed your head through my kite, all for nothing. And you're a naughty girl and you shan't go fishing with me tomorrow.'
With this terrible conclusion, Tom ran away from Maggie towards the mill
The main focus of George Eliot's The Mill on the Floss lies in the complexities of the relationship between brother and sister: the rapid swings back and forth from love and tenderness and idolization to misery and bitterness and quarrelsome recriminations. It is quoted here to serve as a reminder that even for normal siblings, growing up together is not an easy process, a fact that needs to be kept in mind when looking at the relationships between disabled children and their siblings.
Judy Dunn's (1984) book Sisters and Brothers also examines the intricacies of sibling relationships. It is well worth reading by any parent of an impaired child in order to place family difficulties into perspective. Amongst the many different aspects of family life explored, the book illustrates the feelings of resentment and jealousy experienced by children on the birth of a younger child. Such emotional turmoil is often manifested by an increase in problem behaviours, temper-tantrums and rituals, and by regression in sleeping, toileting and self-help skills. The book discusses the aggressiveness and quarrels which are so much a part of daily family life and the onerous role of caretaker sometimes imposed on older children in large families. On the other hand, there are also strong feelings of affection and comradeship and
How to Support Siblings of Kids With Autism
By doban, eHow Member
Support siblings of kids with autism through awareness.
User-Submitted Article
It takes a conscious effort to support the siblings of kids with autism. Siblings may feel happy about having a sibling with autism, but they may also feel embarrassed, confused, left out, or angry. One child with autism can put stress on the whole family and can stretch a family's resources. It can also cut into quality family time and activities. Studies have shown greater incidence of depression and stress in the siblings of kids with autism. Those siblings may need extra help to make sure that their needs are met also
