Equal treatment. These two words mean so much in a sibling’s mind to quantify a parent’s love. How do parents supply support for a child who needs more help while not diminishing the ones who do not? One way may be to think of equality needs in terms of emotional support: praising, acknowledging, listening, and validating. Your special child may need more of your time, but even short bursts of positive attention have a way of helping to balance the scale.

What Can You Do with Siblings This Month?

1. Think of three areas where your special child’s sibling hopes for more equality. Is it with reinforcement, chore assignment, or homework help? Let your child know that you’ve noticed and share your plans for changes in those areas.
2. Use the parent and sibling guides offered by the Organization for Autism Research to help all of you navigate this and other issues of concern for your special family: https://researchautism.org/how-we-help/families/sibling-support/

The Power of Parents

Parents need support, too, and powerful parents reach out for it. One of the easier ways to obtain it is through online support groups such as MyAutismTeam.com.

ACES is Helping You Support the Longest Family Relationship!