For Siblings >>printable version

What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
An Autism Spectrum Disorder happens when a baby’s brain grows in a different way. This change happens, before or just after the baby is born. The brain then deals with messages in a different way.

This might mean that your brother or sister:

Won’t talk when you speak to them.
Won’t talk to anyone.
May play with spinning toys, flick string or other different things.
Talk only about one subject, such as trains or space.
Flap their arms or spin around a lot.
Find it really hard to make friends.
Get upset when new things happen.
Find it hard to understand the rules of a game and join in to play.
Can’t understand how others feel and are not sure how to react.
Needs more help from your Mum and Dad to do every day things.

About Autism Spectrum Disorders:

There are many people, both children and grown ups, who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
There are different types of Autism Spectrum Disorder. People may have either autism or Asperger syndrome.
You can’t catch an Autism Spectrum Disorder from someone, like you might get a cold. Children are born with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
An Autism Spectrum Disorder will not go away. It is something that people will have all their lives.
Children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder find it hard to talk with other people.
Some children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder like to spend time alone, while others want to make friends.
Just as you and your friends are different, so are children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Some children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder find it hard to talk with others and to learn, so they may use photographs or pictures to help them communicate.
Children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder may react to things differently. Some sounds may hurt their ears, or they might not like touching some items. Others may enjoy watching flashing lights, while someone else won’t want to taste any new foods.
Children with an Autism Spectrum Disroder don’t like change and need to do things in the same way each time.
Some children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder can’t understand when others make a joke and are having fun.

What can I do to help my brother or sister who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Try not tease or bully them. Remember we are all different in some way or another.
Ask them to join in. Talk to them and share your interests and ask about their interests.
Say what you mean—not using too many big words, so they can understand you.
Let them know what is going to happen next. This might be that you want to go outside to play or you are going to watch TV.
Explain the rules of the game before you all start to play.
If they are standing too close, just ask them to take a step back.
Talk to your Mum or Dad about your brother or sister. They may be able to help you learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the types of things you can to do together to have fun.