At the ASCV, we are passionate about supporting the whole family, and this includes siblings, who often play a very important role in the lives of autistic individuals and their families. On this page, you will find information about opportunities we have at the ASCV for siblings, organizations who do work focused on supporting siblings, and other resources including interactive workbooks, engaging stories, and first-hand perspectives.
ASCV’s Executive Director, Ann Flippin, is the proud older sister to a young man with autism, and here is what she has to say about how he has impacted her life:
“I have learned many valuable things on our journey together, through its many stages, twists and turns. While my personal autism journey has felt quite challenging and overwhelming at times, it has also been extremely meaningful and transformative.
My brother has taught me:
- the importance of patience
- to have great compassion and empathy for others
- about resilience and never giving up no matter how hard it can get
- to celebrate the little things, and also to not sweat the small things in life
- just how strong the power of unconditional love is
My brother and our journey together have made me into the person I am today, and without him I know I would not have this incredible and rewarding life!”
ASCV RESOURCES
- ASCV National Sibling Day 2021 Facebook Panel
- Sibshop Group – This group is for youth ages 7-13 who have a sibling with a disability. For more information and to find out when our next meeting is, visit our ASCV Program and Event Calendar.
- Information & Referral – Our Information & Referral service provides one-on-one guidance to caregivers, individuals with autism, and professionals on a variety of topics (typically by phone and email) to connect them with the best possible local, state, and national resources.
SIBLING SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
- SIBLING SUPPORT PROJECT
- SIBSTRONG
202-557-1611 - VA IS FOR SIBS
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- “Autism, My Sibling, & Me” from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR): This fun and engaging workbook is for children between the ages of 5 and 10. Within it, you will find a wide-range of colorful cartoon characters who accompany siblings as they learn about what autism means for their family member. Through fun activities and supportive content, this resource also helps children work through many of the autism-related questions they may have.
- “Benji, the Bad Day, and Me” written by Sally J Pla et al. and illustrated by Ken Min
- “Brothers, Sisters, and Autism: A Parent’s Guide” from OAR:: This guide addresses a topics like dealing with perceived discrepancies in fairness and facilitating a positive relationship between siblings. It also includes testimonials from families with autism who deal with similar issues.
- “Come Meet Drayden” written by Dana Young-Askew and illustrated by Cameron Wilson
- “Life as an Autism Sibling: A Guide for Teens” from OAR: This is a handbook for teenage (and even pre-teen) siblings that offers guidance on how to productively address feelings and challenges that may arise as an autism sibling. The resource covers a variety of topics; from explaining autism to friends and peers, to coping with a family dynamic that’s different from what friends may experience. It also features testimonials from other teenage and young adult siblings who have “been there, done that.”
- “What Siblings Would Like Parents and Service Providers to Know” from the Sibling Support Project