Sibling Support Groups for Autism

Key Points:

• Sibling support groups help children understand and cope with the unique challenges of having a brother or sister with autism.
• These groups promote emotional expression, build coping skills, and create a sense of belonging.
• Parents can access local or online sibling support group autism programs tailored to different age groups and family needs.

Having a sibling with autism can bring both love and complexity to family life. While the bond can be deep and meaningful, siblings often face emotional challenges they may not fully understand or express. Support groups tailored for kids with autistic siblings offer safe spaces to connect, learn, and thrive through shared experiences.

Do Sibling Support Groups for Autism Make a Difference?

Yes, sibling support groups for autism provide crucial emotional and social benefits. While much focus rightfully centers on the child with autism, siblings are also navigating a unique experience that can shape their development, relationships, and sense of self. A sibling support group autism program gives them tools to process emotions, ask questions, and feel understood by peers in similar roles.

Why Siblings Need Their Own Support

Siblings of children with autism often play multiple roles—caregiver, playmate, mediator, and sometimes silent observer. They may feel proud of their sibling one moment and frustrated or overlooked the next. Without an outlet, these feelings can lead to anxiety, confusion, or even resentment.

Support groups specifically designed for siblings can help children and teens:

• Understand autism in age-appropriate ways
• Express emotions in a safe, judgment-free setting
• Learn coping skills for everyday family dynamics
• Reduce feelings of isolation or guilt
• Build resilience and empathy

Research shows that siblings who participate in support groups are more likely to feel connected, empowered, and informed about autism and their family dynamics.

Types of Sibling Support Groups Available

There are a variety of formats available for sibling support. Depending on the child’s age, location, and family situation, parents can choose a group that fits their needs best.

In-Person Support Groups

Typically run by community centers, hospitals, or autism nonprofits, these local groups provide face-to-face support through interactive activities, games, discussions, and workshops. They often group participants by age to ensure the material is relatable and engaging.

Online Sibling Support Groups

For families in rural areas or with busy schedules, virtual support groups offer convenience and accessibility. Many programs now include video calls, chat forums, and digital workshops moderated by professionals.

School-Based Programs

Some schools and special education departments offer lunchtime or after-school sibling support programs. These settings can be especially helpful for children who may not otherwise discuss their feelings openly at home.

What to Expect in a Sibling Support Group Autism Program

Each program varies in structure and content, but most sibling support group autism initiatives include a mix of education, emotional processing, and fun. Here’s what a typical session might look like:

Educational Activities

Siblings learn about autism in a clear and age-appropriate manner. This might include understanding common behaviors, communication styles, and how autism affects their brother or sister differently.

Emotional Expression Exercises

These sessions often use drawing, storytelling, or group sharing to help children talk about what it’s like to have a sibling with autism. Emphasis is placed on validating emotions without judgment.

Role-Playing and Problem Solving

Children may participate in guided role-play activities to rehearse how to handle difficult moments, such as public meltdowns or feeling like their sibling is receiving more attention.

Fun and Games

To keep things light and build camaraderie, many sessions include creative play, team-building games, and crafts. The goal is to create a supportive peer environment where kids feel less alone.

Benefits of Joining a Sibling Support Group

The outcomes of sibling support group autism programs often extend beyond the group itself. Here are some meaningful benefits:

Emotional Well-Being

Siblings learn that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Support groups normalize those feelings and help children learn healthy ways to express them.

Family Harmony

When siblings feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to communicate their needs at home and develop better relationships with their parents and autistic sibling.

Social Skills

Interacting with others in similar situations helps children practice empathy, patience, and collaborative problem-solving.

Self-Identity and Confidence

Siblings often struggle to find their role within a household that requires extra attention to one child. These groups help them build a sense of identity and confidence separate from their sibling’s diagnosis.

How Parents Can Support Siblings at Home

While support groups are invaluable, parents can also play an active role in fostering healthy sibling relationships and emotional balance at home. Here are a few strategies:

• Create one-on-one time with each child, reinforcing their unique value in the family.
• Encourage open dialogue about feelings, both positive and negative, without judgment.
• Involve siblings in care decisions when appropriate, making them feel part of the team.
• Model emotional regulation, showing how to handle stress or conflict in healthy ways.
• Celebrate sibling successes just as much as milestones for the child with autism.

Finding a Sibling Support Group Near You

Many organizations now recognize the importance of supporting siblings and offer dedicated programs. Some reliable starting points for finding a sibling support group autism program include:

• Autism Society chapters: Many regional branches offer sibling workshops and events.
• Children’s hospitals: Pediatric therapy departments often run family-inclusive programs.
• Parent support networks: These can be excellent sources for word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Online platforms: Organizations like Sibling Support Project offer national directories.
• Local therapists and ABA providers: Some offer sibling sessions or can refer you to groups.

The Sibling Support Project: A Leading Resource

One of the most well-known programs is The Sibling Support Project, creator of the “Sibshops” model. Sibshops are recreational workshops that provide siblings of kids with special needs—including autism—a place to connect and have fun while learning. These workshops are available across the U.S. and even internationally.

Their programs are designed to:

• Celebrate the unique contributions of siblings
• Provide a peer-support environment
• Offer tools to help siblings navigate tough emotions

This nationally recognized model has helped thousands of families and continues to grow.

Get Support Through New Dawn ABA: Focused on Family Care

While sibling support is essential, so is ensuring that your child with autism receives consistent, personalized care. That’s where New Dawn ABA comes in. As a trusted provider of ABA therapy in Colorado and Missouri, New Dawn ABA helps children build communication, social, and behavioral skills that benefit the whole family—including siblings.

When a child with autism is supported through effective, compassionate therapy, the ripple effects extend to siblings who experience fewer challenges and more moments of connection. ABA therapy can create a more balanced home life, where every child has the space to thrive.

If you're looking for tools to support the entire family, reach out to us today and learn how their individualized ABA therapy can be a powerful step forward.